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Know the signs. Share the plan. Save a life

Anaphylaxis doesn’t wait for convenient moments

When did you last review your child’s allergy emergency plan?

Download checklist

Get your doctor’s appointment checklist

Kids grow fast and their allergy plan may need to change with them

A follow-up with their doctor keeps everything on track

Our checklist covers the important stuff, like making sure their medication is still right for them

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Your quick action can save a life.

Anaphylaxis is a medical emergency. Act fast.

If you suspect your child is having a severe allergic reaction, try to stay calm and follow these steps:

Bee sting?

Scrape the stinger out, don't pinch

OR

Food or medicine?

Don’t make them vomit

1 If you have an adrenaline device, use it

2 Call 112 and say "anaphylaxis" (an-a-fi-LAK-sis)

3 Keep them still; don't let them stand or walk

4 Lay them flat with feet raised

5 Breathing trouble or vomiting? Gently sit them up; extend their legs

6 Unconscious? Put them on their side

7 No change in 5-15 minutes? Give second dose of adrenaline

8 Do CPR if their heart stops and you know how

9 Always go to hospital even if they feel better

What is anaphylaxis?

Anaphylaxis is a rare but potentially life-threatening allergic reaction that can come on quickly and affect your child’s entire body.^1,2

Know the signs

Anaphylaxis symptoms vary, action shouldn't

Severe allergic reactions don’t follow rules. Symptoms can appear in any combination, within minutes or a few hours

Confusion, sudden changes in behaviour^1,2,3
Dizziness or fainting^1,2,3
Swollen tongue or throat^1,2,3
Wheezingand difficulty breathing^1,2,3
Weak or rapid pulse, bluish lips^1,2,3
Diarrhoea, feeling or being sick ^1,2,3
Redness, pallor, sweating, itching or hives^1,2,3

If in doubt,

use your child’s adrenaline device. It’s better to act quickly than to wait.

Download checklist

Create a safety net wherever they go

Fear of anaphylaxis is stressful, but a clear plan helps you stay focused.

Create a plan with your child's doctor

Practice the steps with your child before a reaction happens

Share it with everyone involved in your child's care

Is it time to review your child’s allergy emergency plan and prescription with a doctor?

Download checklist

Prevention is your first line of defence

Avoiding their triggers helps keep your child safe, but it’s not always realistic

Don’t risk it, always carry their adrenaline device
If your child has experienced anaphylaxis, their doctor may prescribe an adrenaline device.

Keep it handy and easy to grab in an emergency

Regularly check the expiry dates

Schedule a meds review with their doctor to ensure everything is up to date

Download checklist

Prevention is your first line of defence

Download checklist

Allergies
and how to manage them

More about food allergy

More about insect allergy

More about anaphylactic shock

More about allergy medicine for kids

References

Tarczoń I, Cichocka-Jarosz E, Knapp A, Kwinta P. The 2020 update on anaphylaxis in paediatric population. Postepy Dermatol Alergol. 2022;39(1):13-19. doi:10.5114/ada.2021.103327
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8953896/
Grabenhenrich LB, Dölle S, Moneret-Vautrin A, et al. Anaphylaxis in children and adolescents: The European Anaphylaxis Registry. J Allergy Clin Immunol. 2016;137(4):1128-1137.e1. doi:10.1016/j.jaci.2015.11.015
https://www.jacionline.org/article/S0091-6749(15)02991-7/pdf
Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. Food Allergy Anaphylaxis in Infants and Toddlers. Retrieved 22 May 2025
https://aafa.org/asthma-allergy-research/our-research/food-allergy-anaphylaxis-in-infants/