GIVE & GO //

“Give & Go”
When Anaphylactic Reactions Occur

What is “Give & Go”?

If you see or experience anaphylaxis symptoms, GIVE epinephrine and GO call 911 immediately.

“I know what it’s like to experience anaphylaxis from a simple bite of food. I hope that the ‘Give & Go’ slogan inspires kids and adults to always carry epinephrine, use it at the first signs of anaphylaxis, call 911, and tell an adult. Too many people don’t carry epinephrine and that has to stop. I never go anywhere without mine and I hope others will follow.”

- Jerome Bettis

Add “Give & Go” to your Food Allergy Playbook

Go the Gorilla Knows to Give & Go!

A big THANK YOU to Phoenix Suns Charities for supporting RSFO in our mission of educating and advocating for food allergies.

Every 3 minutes someone is sent to the emergency room due to anaphylaxis. So it’s important to know:

GIVE epinephrine
GO call 911 immediately. It could save you or your loved one’s life.

Know the Symptoms of Anaphylaxis

It can take more than an hour for symptoms to manifest. When symptoms relating to TWO bodily systems manifest themselves after ingesting an allergen, use epinephrine. This includes hives with vomiting or hives with trouble breathing.

Remember: Epi First, Epi Fast!

Severe Symptoms

Shortness of Breath, Wheezing, Cough
Pale or Bluish Skin, Faintness, Weak Pulse, Dizziness
Tight or Hoarse Throat, Trouble Breathing/Swallowing
Significant Swelling of Tongue or Lips
Many Hives Over Body, Widespread Redness
Repetitive Vomiting, Severe Diarrhea
Confusion, Anxiety, Impending Sense of Doom

Severe Symptom Response

For ANY severe symptom, INJECT EPINEPHRINE IMMEDIATELY & CALL 911

Tell the emergency dispatcher the person is experiencing anaphylaxis and may need epinephrine when emergency responders arrive
Consider giving additional medications after epi (inhaler if wheezing)
Lay the person flat, raise legs and keep warm. If breathing is difficult or they are vomiting, let them sit up or lie on their side
If symptoms do not improve, or symptoms return, another dose of epinephrine can be given 5 minutes or more after the last dose
Transport patient to ER, even if symptoms resolve

Mild Symptoms

Itchy or Runny Nose, Sneezing
Itchy Mouth
A Few Hives, Mildly Itchy Skin
Mild Nausea or Discomfort

Mild Symptom Response

For mild symptoms from MORE THAN ONE SYSTEM AREA, administer epinephrine and call 911

Antihistamines may be given, if ordered by a doctor
Stay with the person, alert emergency contacts
If symptoms worsen, administer epinephrine

Source: Food Allergy Research & Education (FARE)

CLICK ON THE IMAGE ABOVE TO OPEN A DOWNLOADABLE & PRINTABLE VERSION.

NOTE: We are NOT medical professionals and this is NOT medical advice. This graphic is based on FARE’s Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis Emergency Care Plan (also available Spanish). The plan was revised by FARE’s Education Working Group, a multidisciplinary group of food allergy experts including support group leaders, two members of FARE’s Medical Advisory Board, experienced parents of children with food allergies, an adult with food allergies, a dietitian, psychologist and a school nurse. The plan was approved by FARE’s Medical Advisory Board.

About Red Sneakers for Oakley

Inspired by the life of Oakley Debbs

Red Sneakers for Oakley is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit committed to educating and advocating for food allergy awareness to save lives!

Red Sneakers for Oakley was established by Robert and Merrill Debbs after the death of their 11-year-old son Oakley due to a fatal allergic reaction to nuts. Oakley loved his red sneakers and the family decided to use them as a powerful symbol for increased education and awareness among communities of people with food allergies, but also people who don’t have them.

Oakley suffered from both asthma and an allergy to nuts, and the Debbs believe they were ill prepared to recognize the signs of anaphylaxis, the acute multiorgan life-threatening reaction to allergens.

Since its establishment, Red Sneakers for Oakley has gained national exposure through supporters wearing red sneakers and has launched a multi-pronged approach to enable its mission and mobilize people to take action.

Read Oakley's Story

Ways to Take Action

Post on Social Media

Share your red sneakers photos on social media and spread food allergy awareness in your caption. Use these hashtags: #livlikeoaks #redsneakersforoakley #foodallergyawareness

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Donate Here!

All donations are used to raise awareness about the dangers of food allergies through the creation of educational programs, community outreach and advocacy.

Donate to the Cause

Buy Red Sneakers for Oakley

Red sneakers are the sign for food allergy awareness. If you don’t have a pair, buy some and wear them to your next social function. Let the world know you support #redsneakersforoakley!