Key Takeaways
- Anaphylaxis is a sudden, life-threatening allergic reaction that requires immediate emergency response with effective first aid.
- Adrenaline (epinephrine) delivered via an EpiPen autoinjector is the only effective first-line treatment — antihistamines are not sufficient.
- Always call Triple Zero (000) after administering adrenaline, even if symptoms appear to improve.
- Every person at risk of anaphylaxis should carry an ASCIA Action Plan and two EpiPens at all times.
- Brisbane residents can access specialist allergy care, emergency departments, and nationally recognised first aid training to stay prepared.
What Is Anaphylaxis and Why Does It Matter in Brisbane?
Anaphylaxis is a severe, potentially fatal allergic reaction that requires immediate emergency response and treatment. It can affect anyone, at any age, and can develop within minutes of exposure to a trigger allergen. In Australia, the rates of diagnosed allergy and anaphylaxis have been rising steadily. According to the Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy (ASCIA), Australia and New Zealand have some of the highest rates of allergic conditions in the world, and fatal anaphylaxis cases, while relatively rare, do occur. In Queensland, emergency departments at hospitals including the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital and Queensland Children’s Hospital treat anaphylactic reactions regularly.
Whether you are a parent, teacher, childcare worker, first responder, or simply a Brisbane resident who wants to be prepared, understanding the emergency management of anaphylaxis could save a life — possibly your own.
Ready to be prepared? Enrol in a nationally recognised first aid course with First Aid Pro Brisbane and gain hands-on EpiPen training, practical skills in anaphylaxis management, and the confidence to act in a real emergency. Visit First Aid Pro to find a course near you.
What Triggers a Severe Allergic Reaction or Anaphylaxis?
Anaphylaxis occurs when the immune system overreacts to an allergen — a substance it mistakenly identifies as dangerous. On first exposure, the body produces immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies. On subsequent exposure, these antibodies trigger a rapid release of histamine and other chemicals that cause the widespread, systemic symptoms of anaphylaxis.
Common allergens that cause anaphylaxis in Australia include:
Allergen Category | Examples |
Foods | Peanuts, tree nuts, shellfish, fish, milk, eggs, wheat, sesame |
Insect stings | Bee and wasp stings (particularly relevant in South East Queensland) |
Medications | Penicillin, aspirin, NSAIDs, anaesthetic agents |
Latex | Medical gloves, balloons, certain medical equipment |
Exercise | Exercise-induced anaphylaxis (sometimes combined with food triggers) |
Food allergies are among the leading causes of anaphylaxis in Australia, particularly in children. The National Allergy Council estimates that food allergy affects approximately one in ten infants and around two in every hundred adults in Australia. In childcare and school settings across Brisbane and Queensland, managing the risk of anaphylaxis is a legal and ethical responsibility.
It is important to distinguish between mild to moderate allergic reactions — such as hives, a runny nose, or allergic rhinitis — and a full anaphylactic reaction. Symptoms may initially appear mild but can escalate rapidly. This is why having a first aid plan in place before an emergency occurs is so important.
Recognising the Signs of Anaphylaxis: A First Aid Priority
Accurate and prompt diagnosis of anaphylaxis is a critical first aid skill. Anaphylaxis typically involves symptoms across multiple body systems, developing rapidly after allergen exposure — usually within 15 to 30 minutes, though in some cases anaphylaxis may be delayed.
Symptom Progression: From Mild to Life-Threatening
The Anaphylaxis Symptom Ladder
One important consideration is the overlap between asthma and anaphylaxis. Respiratory symptoms such as wheeze and difficulty breathing can occur in both an asthma attack and an anaphylactic reaction. The ASCIA Action Plan addresses asthma and anaphylaxis together for this reason. If someone with known allergies experiences sudden respiratory symptoms following allergen exposure, treat it as anaphylaxis first.
Key rule: If in doubt — treat for anaphylaxis.
The ASCIA Action Plan: Your Emergency Response Blueprint
The ASCIA Action Plan for Anaphylaxis is the nationally recognised emergency response plan developed by the Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy. It is available on the ASCIA website as a free, customisable document that should be completed by a health professional for every individual at risk.
The ASCIA Action Plan for anaphylaxis provides:
- A photograph of the individual for identification
- A list of confirmed allergens
- Weight-based adrenaline dosing instructions
- Step-by-step first aid management of anaphylaxis
- Clear instructions on when and how to administer adrenaline
- When to call emergency services
There are separate ASCIA Action Plans for anaphylaxis and for asthma, and for some individuals — particularly children — both may be needed. In childcare and school settings across Queensland, the law requires that a current ASCIA Action Plan accompanies every child’s prescribed EpiPen.
Information about ASCIA Action Plans can be found at ascia.org.au. All caregivers, teachers, and childcare workers should be familiar with reading and following these plans.
Step-by-Step First Aid Emergency Treatment of Anaphylaxis
The First Aid Management of Anaphylaxis: Follow the ASCIA Steps
The following protocol reflects the ASCIA first aid emergency treatment of anaphylaxis and is consistent with guidelines from the Department of Health, the National Allergy Council, and first aid training organisations across Australia.
Anaphylaxis Emergency Response Steps
Call for Help and Stop Exposure
Position the Person Correctly
Give Adrenaline (Epinephrine) Immediately
Call Ambulance and Prepare for Second Dose
Monitor Breathing, Airway, and Response
Handover and Ongoing Care
EpiPen Administration: What You Need to Know
The EpiPen is the most widely used epinephrine autoinjector available in Australia. A correct dose of adrenaline delivered promptly is the most life-saving intervention in the treatment of anaphylaxis. Antihistamines — while useful for mild allergic reactions — have no role in the emergency treatment of anaphylaxis and should never be used as a substitute.
EpiPen Type | Dose | Recommended For |
EpiPen Jr (0.15 mg) | 0.15 mg adrenaline | Children 10–20 kg (approx.) |
EpiPen (0.30 mg) | 0.30 mg adrenaline | Adults and children over 20 kg |
Administration of adrenaline into the outer mid-thigh is preferred because it delivers the medication into muscle, allowing rapid absorption. The EpiPen can be administered through light clothing. After use, the needle tip will be exposed — handle with care and provide it to the paramedic on arrival.
Biphasic reactions — where symptoms return hours after the initial reaction — occur in a small number of anaphylaxis cases. This is why hospital observation following emergency care is essential, even when the person appears to have recovered.
EpiPen Administration: What You Need to Know
The EpiPen is the most widely used epinephrine autoinjector available in Australia. A correct dose of adrenaline delivered promptly is the most life-saving intervention in the treatment of anaphylaxis. Antihistamines — while useful for mild allergic reactions — have no role in the emergency treatment of anaphylaxis and should never be used as a substitute.
EpiPen Type | Dose | Recommended For |
EpiPen Jr (0.15 mg) | 0.15 mg adrenaline | Children 10–20 kg (approx.) |
EpiPen (0.30 mg) | 0.30 mg adrenaline | Adults and children over 20 kg |
Administration of adrenaline into the outer mid-thigh is preferred because it delivers the medication into muscle, allowing rapid absorption. The EpiPen can be administered through light clothing. After use, the needle tip will be exposed — handle with care and provide it to the paramedic on arrival.
Biphasic reactions — where symptoms return hours after the initial reaction — occur in a small number of anaphylaxis cases. This is why hospital observation following emergency care is essential, even when the person appears to have recovered.
Anaphylaxis and Asthma: Understanding the Connection
Asthma and anaphylaxis frequently intersect, particularly in children and young people. Individuals with poorly controlled asthma are at significantly higher risk of fatal anaphylaxis. The management of asthma as an underlying condition is therefore an important part of overall anaphylaxis management.
During an anaphylactic reaction, acute asthma symptoms may develop alongside or mimic other signs. The ASCIA Action Plan addresses both asthma and anaphylaxis together for high-risk individuals. If a person’s asthma does not respond to their usual reliever inhaler and they have had known allergen exposure, anaphylaxis should be considered and adrenaline administered without delay.
Respiratory symptoms in anaphylaxis — including wheeze, chest tightness, and difficulty breathing — can be mistaken for an asthma attack. In this context, treating for anaphylaxis and calling 000 is always the safer course of action.
Urgent Medical Care for Anaphylaxis in Brisbane
Brisbane Emergency Departments and Allergy Services
Facility | Type | Location |
Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital | Major adult emergency department | Herston |
Queensland Children’s Hospital | Paediatric emergency department | South Brisbane |
Princess Alexandra Hospital | Major adult emergency department | Woolloongabba |
Mater Hospital Brisbane | Emergency and specialist services | South Brisbane |
After emergency treatment of anaphylaxis, a minimum four-hour observation period in an emergency department is recommended. For severe reactions or where biphasic reactions are a concern, observation of six to eight hours may be warranted.
Following discharge, a referral to an allergy and clinical immunology specialist is strongly advised. An allergist can confirm the diagnosis of anaphylaxis, carry out formal allergy testing, and develop a long-term first aid plan and management of anaphylaxis strategy tailored to the individual. Queensland Health provides referral pathways through public hospitals, and private allergy and clinical immunology services are also available across Brisbane.
Time to get trained? First Aid Pro offers nationally recognised anaphylaxis and first aid courses across Brisbane. Whether you work in childcare, healthcare, education, or simply want to protect your family, First Aid Pro’s practical, hands-on EpiPen training ensures you are ready when it counts. Find a Brisbane course today at First Aid Pro.
Long-Term Anaphylaxis Management for Brisbane Residents
Building Your Personal Emergency Response Plan
Effective long-term anaphylaxis management involves several interconnected strategies:
- Confirm your allergens Work with an allergy and clinical immunology specialist to identify specific allergen triggers through skin prick testing or specific IgE blood tests.
- Obtain a current ASCIA Action Plan for Anaphylaxis Your ASCIA Action Plan should be reviewed and updated annually, or whenever your medication or circumstances change. This is your personalised emergency response plan.
- Always carry two EpiPens Two autoinjectors are recommended because a second dose of adrenaline may be needed before the paramedic arrives, and autoinjectors can occasionally malfunction.
- Store EpiPens correctly Brisbane’s subtropical climate poses specific storage challenges. Adrenaline autoinjectors must be kept at room temperature (15–25°C) and never left in a hot car or direct sunlight, as heat degrades the medication. Check expiry dates regularly.
- Communicate your allergy When dining out in Brisbane, inform staff about your allergen at the time of ordering. Under Australian food labelling laws, the top 14 allergens must be declared on packaged foods.
- Wear medical alert identification Medical alert bracelets or digital identification apps can provide emergency services with critical information if you are unable to communicate during an anaphylactic reaction.
- Consider allergen immunotherapy For certain allergens — including bee venom and some foods — allergen immunotherapy offered through clinical immunology services may reduce the risk of anaphylaxis over time.
Don’t wait for an emergency to find out you weren’t prepared. First Aid Pro’s Brisbane courses cover anaphylaxis emergency treatment, hands-on EpiPen training, CPR, and full first aid management — all delivered by qualified instructors. Enrol today and gain a nationally recognised qualification that could save a life.
Knowledge Test: Anaphylaxis Emergency Response
What is the correct first step when you recognise anaphylaxis in someone?
Where should an EpiPen be administered?
Which of the following is NOT a sign of anaphylaxis?
Why should a second EpiPen always be carried?
What does ASCIA stand for?
Your result
References
- Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy (ASCIA). ASCIA Action Plan and First Aid PLan for Anaphylaxis.
- National Allergy Council Australia. Anaphylaxis Resources
- Children’s Health Queensland: Allergy and anaphylaxis – Emergency management in children
- ASCIA: Guidelines – Acute Management of Anaphylaxis
- Resuscitation Council of Australia and New Zealand. Anaphylaxis Flowchart / Algorithm.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I give an antihistamine instead of adrenaline during an anaphylactic reaction?
No. Antihistamines are appropriate only for mild to moderate allergic reactions such as hives or allergic rhinitis. They act too slowly and do not address the life-threatening aspects of anaphylaxis — airway swelling, respiratory failure, and cardiovascular collapse. The only effective emergency treatment for anaphylaxis is adrenaline (epinephrine), administered promptly via autoinjector. Never delay adrenaline in favour of an antihistamine.
What is a biphasic reaction and should I be concerned about it?
A biphasic reaction is a return of anaphylactic symptoms hours after the initial reaction has apparently resolved — typically between one and eight hours later, though it can occur up to 72 hours afterwards. It occurs in a small percentage of anaphylaxis cases and can be just as severe as the first reaction. This is the primary reason why observation in an emergency department following any anaphylactic reaction is strongly recommended, even if the person seems to have recovered fully.
My child has both asthma and a food allergy — how do I manage both conditions at school?
Children with both asthma and food allergies require two separate ASCIA Action Plans — one for anaphylaxis and one for asthma management. Both should be provided to the school or childcare centre along with the required medications, including an EpiPen and reliever inhaler. Staff should be trained to distinguish between an asthma attack and anaphylaxis and to act accordingly. In Queensland, schools and childcare services have specific legislative obligations around the management of asthma and anaphylaxis in children.
How often should an ASCIA Action Plan be updated?
An ASCIA Action Plan for anaphylaxis should be reviewed and re-signed by a health professional at least annually. It should also be updated immediately if the person’s allergens, weight, prescribed medication, or emergency contact details change. Outdated action plans may contain incorrect dosing information or an expired EpiPen prescription, which can compromise emergency care. Templates are available free from the ASCIA website.
Is hands-on EpiPen training available in Brisbane and is it necessary?
Yes, and it is strongly recommended. Reading about EpiPen administration is very different from physically practising with a trainer device under instruction. Studies show that correct technique significantly improves outcomes in real emergencies. First Aid Pro and other registered training organisations in Brisbane offer nationally recognised first aid courses that include hands-on EpiPen training as part of their anaphylaxis training component. For anyone who works with children, lives with someone at risk, or is at risk themselves, completing this training is one of the most practical steps you can take.
