Rapid Anaphylaxis treatment key to saving lives

Media Statement
For immediate release

Rapid Anaphylaxis treatment key to saving lives

The increase in severe allergic reactions in Australia has prompted the call for better education in the emergency treatment of anaphylaxis.

The Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy (ASCIA) said anaphylaxis can be fatal within 15 minutes unless the correct treatment is administered immediately.

To coincide with Food Allergy Awareness Week (May 18 – 24) ASCIA has released new Action Plans for Anaphylaxis –outlining life saving treatment for sufferers of severe allergies.

Dr Rob Loblay, Chair of the ASCIA Anaphylaxis Working Party, said when a severe allergic reaction occurs it can be a stressful situation for everyone.

“Understanding Anaphylaxis and how to respond will help people remain calm and administer the correct treatment,” he said.

“Knowing how to treat someone who has Anaphylaxis will save their life.”

The updated Anaphylaxis Action Plans provide schools, workplaces, carers, family and friends with clear steps to treating someone who has Anaphylaxis.

Dr Loblay said training of families, school and workplace staff was also a vital component to providing critical treatment for anaphylaxis.

“Our aim is to provide a clear, step by step emergency treatment plan for those caring for someone who has a severe allergic reaction,” Dr Loblay said.

The action plans must be completed by the person’s treating doctor and will list the specific allergens to be avoided for each patient.

The original Action Plans for Anaphylaxis, developed by ASCIA in 2003, are now widespread throughout homes, schools and pre-schools in Australia and New Zealand. The updated versions will provide clearer and more detailed instructions to prevent deaths from anaphylaxis.

The Anaphylaxis Action Plans and fact sheets can be downloaded from the ASCIA website at www.allergy.org.au

ENDS

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