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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 allergy emergency plan?

Download checklist

Get your doctor’s appointment checklist

Allergies and allergy treatments can change over time so an allergy plan may need to change too

A follow-up with the doctor keeps everything on track

Our checklist covers the important stuff, like making sure your medication is still right for you

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Your quick action can save a life.

Anaphylaxis is a medical emergency. Act fast.

If you suspect 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 try to vomit

1 If you have an adrenaline device, use it

2 Call 999 and say "anaphylaxis" (an-a-fi-LAK-sis)

3 Stay still; no standing or walking around

4 Lie down flat with feet raised

5 Except when vomiting or having trouble breathing; then slowly sit up a little

6 If the person’s unconscious or possibly pregnant, put them on their left side

7 No change in 5-15 minutes? Time for a second dose of adrenaline

8 Do CPR if the person’s heart stops and you know how

9 Always go to hospital even if feeling better

What is anaphylaxis?

Anaphylaxis is a rare but potentially life-threatening allergic reaction that can come on quickly and affect the 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

Sudden changes in behaviour^1,2,3
Dizziness, confusion, collapse^1,2,3
Swollen tongue or throat^1,2,3
Wheezing and difficulty breathing^1,2,3
Fast or slow sweating, bluish lips, pallor^1,2,3
Diarrhoea, feeling or being sick^1,2,3
Swelling, itchy rash, redness^1,2,3

If in doubt,

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

Download checklist

Create a powerful safety net

Fear of anaphylaxis can be stressful, but a clear plan helps give you confidence

Create a plan with your doctor

Practice the steps before a reaction happens

Share it with family and anyone else you might need to help you

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

Download checklist

Prevention is your first line of defence

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

Don’t risk it, always carry an adrenaline device
After an anaphylaxis attack, the doctor may prescribe an adrenaline device

Keep it handy and easy to grab in an emergency

Regularly check the expiry dates

Schedule a review with 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/