Awareness of anaphylaxis among community and emergency responders in Korea

Purpose: Anaphylaxis is life-threatening, so early recognition and proper response are critical. This study evaluated the awareness of anaphylaxis in Korean community including teachers, 119 rescue team, and doctors in public service. Methods: A questionnaire of anonymously structured 9 items about anaphylaxis was administered to the teachers working in kindergartens or elementary schools, 119 rescue team, and public health physicians in Gangwon province in 2017. Additional questionnaire about knowledge on anaphylaxis management was administered to the physicians. Results: A total of 415 people participated in the survey. About 4% of child care and health teachers experienced anaphylaxis within 1 year, but the overall awareness of anaphylaxis was very low, regardless of the educational level of anaphylaxis. 119 rescue teams experienced more anaphylactic patients, but they lacked knowledge of epinephrine administration and epinephrine autoinjector (EAI), independent of the educational level of anaphylaxis. Public health physicians had good knowledge of early treatment for anaphylaxis, but there was a lack of knowledge for epinephrine injection sites, observation plan, and EAI. Conclusion: The awareness of anaphylaxis among community and emergency responders seems likely to be inadequate. Systematic and continuous education by anaphylaxis specialists is necessary for community health care providers.