How can AHS be treated?

• A. Reassure the person, have them breathe slowly and deeply, and use a paper bag if necessary.
• B. Administer adrenaline immediately.
• C. Induce vomiting to relieve symptoms.
• D. Keep the person in a dark room and ignore symptoms.

Answer: (A)

Managing AHS after OC exposure centers on calming the person and normalizing breathing. Reassuring them in a steady, calm voice helps reduce panic, which often worsens symptoms like dizziness and chest tightness. Guiding slow, deep breaths redirects their breathing from rapid, shallow cycles to a controlled pattern, which can relieve hyperventilation and improve comfort. If they’re overbreathing, a temporary use of a paper bag to rebreathe some of their exhaled air can help restore normal CO2 levels, provided there are no signs of severe oxygen deprivation or other medical concerns. Adrenaline isn’t appropriate here unless there’s a true anaphylactic reaction with airway compromise, and inducing vomiting doesn’t address the breathing or anxiety issues. Keeping someone alone in a dark room or ignoring symptoms can let problems worsen, so stay with them, monitor their condition, and seek medical help if symptoms persist, worsen, or if there are new signs like trouble breathing, chest pain, or fainting.