Be emergency ready

Knowing what to do in an emergency is an important part of allergy care.

Fast treatment is critical as the immune system’s response can escalate to life-threatening anaphylaxis within minutes. Anaphylaxis requires immediate treatment with adrenaline. 

For further advice, refer to the person’s ASCIA Action Plan, which should always be accessible with their emergency medication.

See Allergy & Anaphylaxis Australia’s webpage ASCIA Action Plans – what are they?

Know the signs

Signs of mild to moderate allergic reactions 

• swelling of lips, face or eyes
• hives or welts
• tingling mouth

If someone is having a mild to moderate reaction:

• stay with them, call for help
• give an antihistamine according to their ASCIA Plan
• phone a family/emergency contact.

See: ASCIA's Action plan for allergic reactions (PDF,199 KB)

Signs of a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis)

• difficult/noisy breathing
• swelling of the tongue
• swelling/tightness in throat
• difficulty talking and/or hoarse voice
• wheeze or persistent cough
• persistent dizziness or collapse
• pale and floppy (young children)

Fast action saves lives

Any delay in treating anaphylaxis can be fatal.

If someone with a diagnosed allergy is experiencing any one anaphylaxis symptom:

1. Lay the person flat - do not allow them to stand or walk

• if unconscious or pregnant, place them in recovery position (on left side if pregnant)
• if breathing is difficult, allow them to sit with legs outstretched
• hold young children flat, not upright

2. Give adrenaline device

3. Phone an ambulance - 000

4. Phone family/emergency contact

The above is a short summary from ASCIA - there is more to know.  

See ASCIA's First aid plan for anaphylaxis (PDF, 423 KB) for guidance on the signs and what to do.