What should you do if a customer has a severe allergic reaction after dining?

In the event of a severe allergic reaction, the most critical action to take is to call emergency services immediately. This response is essential because severe allergic reactions, also known as anaphylaxis, can progress rapidly and may be life-threatening. Professional medical assistance is necessary to administer treatments such as epinephrine, which can reverse the symptoms of anaphylaxis and stabilize the patient.

Immediate intervention can greatly affect the outcome for the affected individual. While offering water, refunds, or an apology may seem considerate, they do not address the medical emergency at hand. Water could potentially exacerbate the situation if the person is having difficulty breathing or swelling of the throat. A refund or apology does not provide any medical help and could delay critical care, potentially putting the customer’s life at risk.

Acting swiftly to contact emergency services ensures that the individual receives the appropriate medical attention without delay, which is paramount in managing severe allergic reactions effectively.