Fast Action in Göteborg: How EECC Saved Fredrick from a Severe Allergic Reaction

Fredrick, a 51-year-old seafarer, was dining in Göteborg when a sudden rash spread across his skin and his breathing turned shallow and laboured. Moments earlier, he had discovered that the dish he was eating contained hazelnuts—an ingredient he was severely allergic to.

Within minutes, his life was in danger. Struggling for breath, Fredrick was rushed by ambulance to Sahlgrenska University Hospital.

In the ambulance, healthcare workers acted without hesitation, applying the principles of Essential Emergency and Critical Care (EECC). They recognised the signs of anaphylaxis, a life-threatening allergic reaction. Fredrick was given an injection of adrenaline, followed by cortisone and antihistamines to help stop the reaction. Oxygen was delivered to support his breathing, and he was seated upright to make it easier to draw breath.

Small details captured the intensity of the moment. One caregiver reassured, “He looks less red now,” while Fredrick himself managed a weary smile and said, “I like the mask better than the prongs.”

Fredrick in recovery, undergoing treatment

Thanks to the swift interventions, Fredrick’s condition stabilised. At Sahlgrenska, he was admitted to a ward for observation, where his vital signs were monitored for 24 hours to ensure the reaction did not return. By the next day, he was well enough to be discharged with an epipen for emergencies, returning to his life and work at sea.

Fredrick’s story shows just how critical fast action can be. Anaphylaxis can kill within minutes if untreated, but EECC principles—timely recognition, adrenaline, oxygen, and ongoing monitoring—turn crisis into recovery.

From busy highways to world-class hospitals, EECC ensures patients receive the care they need when it matters most. And for Fredrick, it meant getting safely back to his ship, his work, and his future.

This is EECC: rapid recognition, simple treatment, and lives saved.