Anaphylaxis Fast Facts

Caring for people with severe allergies or Anaphylaxis is an important job, ongoing education and sharing the latest information is vital to help keep these patients safe.

Anaphylaxis is becoming more common in Australia, affecting around 1% of people. Anaphylaxis is a life threatening alergic reaction and needs to be treated correctly.

Awareness is a key factor in helping to identify and manage this condition, and with a few minor lifestyle adjustments, prevention is the key.

The top causes of Anaphylaxis in Australia are:

Food groups like Eggs, Nuts, Seafood

Medications and Bites and Stings

At First Aid Accident & Emergency we provide individuals, childcare workers, teachers, GP’S with specialised training on how to deal with allergies and anaphylaxis including administering an EpiPen.

FIRST AID for Anaphylaxis:

The below symptoms are typical of a severe allergic reaction, although it can be different for everyone:

  • Skin rashes, itching and hives.
  • Swelling of the lips, tongue or throat.
  • Shortness of breath, trouble breathing, wheezing (whistling sound during breathing)
  • Dizziness and/or fainting.
  • Stomach pain, vomiting or diarrhea.

If you notice any of these symptoms on someone, try to communicate with them to confirm if they are carrying an EpiPen.

if so, posture the patient by seating them or lying them flat, follow the instructions on the EpiPen to administer a shot.

Immediately after, call 000 and follow the instructions of paramedics until help arrives. Keep the patient seated or lying still and remain calm.

If they have no EpiPen or management plan, immediately call 000, keep the patient calm and still and follow the instructions of paramedics until help arrives.

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