Information updates

Responding to an anaphylaxis emergency when there is limited access to an ambulance

ASCIA is aware that there is limited access to ambulances in some regions, due to issues related to the latest COVID-19 outbreaks, and in rural or remote settings. 

ASCIA's advice for people having anaphylaxis and their carers is as follows:

  1. Follow the ASCIA Action Plan for Anaphylaxis.
  2. Give an adrenaline (epinephrine) injector (EpiPen or Anapen) without delay. 
  3. Always call 000 (AU) or 111 (NZ) after giving adrenaline and take advice regarding emergency management.

Further adrenaline (if available) should be given when:

When there is limited or no access to an ambulance:

*For safety and legal reasons the person having anaphylaxis needs to be seated in a vehicle so that they can wear a seatbelt. The seatbelt may need to be adjusted so that it is snug over the chest and lap if the seat is:

When there is limited access to an ambulance, people who are at risk of anaphylaxis, and their carers should also consider:

Patient and carer support is available from:

Allergy & Anaphylaxis Australia www.allergyfacts.org.au

Allergy New Zealand www.allergy.org.nz

ASCIA anaphylaxis information is available at www.allergy.org.au/anaphylaxis  

This news item was issued on 11 January 2022 by the Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy (ASCIA), the peak professional body for clinical immunology and allergy in Australia and New Zealand.