ASCIA First Aid Plan for Anaphylaxis
For use with adrenaline (epinephrine) injectors - refer to the device label for instructions. Translated versions of this document are on the ASCIA website www.allergy.org.au/anaphylaxis#ta5
ASCIA First Aid Anaphylaxis Generic Orange 2021
SIGNS OF MILD TO MODERATE ALLERGIC REACTION
- Swelling of face, lips and eyes
- Hives or welts
- Tingling mouth
- Abdominal pain, vomiting - these are signs of anaphylaxis for insect allergy
ACTION FOR MILD TO MODERATE ALLERGIC REACTION
- For insect allergy - flick out sting if visible
- For tick allergy seek medical help or freeze tick and allow to drop off
- Stay with person, call for help and locate adrenaline (epinephrine) injector
- Phone family/emergency contact
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Mild to moderate allergic reactions (such as hives or swelling) may not always
occur before severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis)
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WATCH FOR ANY ONE OF THE FOLLOWING SIGNS OF ANAPHYLAXIS
- Difficult or noisy breathing
- Swelling of tongue
- Swelling or tightness in throat
- Difficulty talking or hoarse voice
- Wheeze or persistent cough
- Persistent dizziness or collapse
- Pale and floppy (young children)
ACTION FOR ANAPHYLAXIS
• If unconscious or pregnant, place in recovery position - on left side if pregnant, as shown below
2 GIVE ADRENALINE INJECTOR
3 Phone ambulance - 000 (AU) or 111 (NZ)
4 Phone family/emergency contact
5 Further adrenaline may be given if no response after 5 minutes
6 Transfer person to hospital for at least 4 hours of observation
IF IN DOUBT GIVE ADRENALINE INJECTOR
Commence CPR at any time if person is unresponsive and not breathing normally
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ALWAYS give adrenaline injector FIRST, if someone has SEVERE AND SUDDEN BREATHING DIFFICULTY (including wheeze, persistent cough or hoarse voice), even if there are no skin symptoms. THEN SEEK MEDICAL HELP. |
Adrenaline injectors are given as follows:
• 150 mcg for children 7.5-20kg
• 300 mcg for children over 20kg and adults
• 300 mcg or 500 mcg for children and adults over 50kg
If adrenaline is accidentally injected (e.g. into a thumb) phone your local poisons information centre. Continue to follow this plan for the person with the allergic reaction.
© ASCIA 2021
This document has been developed for use as a poster, or to be stored with general use adrenaline injectors.
