Here’s a list of 50 essential phrases for handling a food allergy medical emergency, designed to support communication with bystanders, medical professionals, and emergency responders. These are particularly useful for allergy cards, emergency plans, or translation needs while traveling:

Emergency Help – Act Now

  • I have a serious food allergy.
  • This is a medical emergency.
  • I need help right away.
  • Please call an ambulance now.
  • I might be having anaphylactic shock.
  • I cannot breathe.
  • My throat feels tight.
  • I feel dizzy and weak.
  • My heart is beating very fast.
  • I ate something I’m allergic to by accident.

Medicine and What To Do

  • I carry an epinephrine auto-injector.
  • Use my EpiPen now—it’s in my bag.
  • Inject it in the outer thigh.
  • Hold it for 3 seconds.
  • Call 911 after giving the EpiPen.
  • Give me another dose if there’s no improvement in 5–15 minutes.
  • I may need CPR if I stop breathing.
  • I am allergic to [insert allergen].
  • Do not give me food or drink.
  • Please check my medical alert bracelet/card.

Hospital and Aftercare

  • I must go to the hospital right away.
  • I had a reaction even after using my EpiPen.
  • Tell the doctor what I ate and when.
  • Please stay with me until medical help arrives.
  • I’ve had this kind of reaction before.
  • Reactions can come later—please don’t leave me alone.
  • Watch my breathing and my pulse.
  • Ask paramedics to give me oxygen.
  • Tell the hospital staff I have a serious allergy.
  • My emergency contact is [insert name and phone number].

For People Helping Me

  • Please stay calm and assist me.
  • Do not leave me alone.
  • Tell the ambulance team I have a known allergy.
  • I might pass out—please act fast.
  • Help me lie down with my legs raised (if I’m not vomiting).
  • Make sure nothing blocks my breathing.
  • Don’t give me allergy medicine unless a doctor says so.
  • Help me use my EpiPen if I cannot do it myself.
  • Watch the time when the reaction started and when the medicine was used.
  • Write down what I ate and when symptoms began..

While Traveling or If There’s a Language Problem

  • I have a life-threatening allergy to [for example: peanuts].
  • Please tell the doctor I cannot speak.
  • This card shows my allergy—give it to the medical staff.
  • Can someone speak English here?
  • I need a translator to help explain my allergy.
  • Do not make food near my allergen.
  • Even a small amount can make me very sick.
  • Is this food free of [allergen]?
  • Cross-contact with allergens can cause a reaction.
  • Please use clean utensils and surfaces for my food.
  • I can only drink bottled water.