Anaphylaxis is a severe and potentially fatal allergic reaction. It usually starts within minutes of contact with an allergen, and it can affect the whole body. This anaphylaxis awareness course for early years staff explains what is happening, how to recognise it quickly and what to do, from calling 999 to using an adrenaline auto-injector.
It is written for anyone who might be the first adult on the scene when a child reacts to a food, a sting or a medicine.
Why anaphylaxis awareness matters
In anaphylaxis the immune system mistakes a harmless substance for a threat. Blood pressure drops suddenly and the airways narrow. A reaction to something eaten can take anything from a few minutes to two hours to develop. A sting usually brings symptoms on within 5 to 30 minutes. The signs are not always obvious, and a rash may not appear at all, so staff need to know what they are looking for before it happens.
The course is clear that adrenaline must be given as soon as a serious reaction is suspected, and that treatment should never wait for a full history or a definite diagnosis. In a setting that means knowing which children have a prescribed auto-injector, where it is kept and who will use it. The lesson resources help you plan for that, with an individual allergy healthcare plan laid out like the BSACI action plans, a room trigger sweep and practice drill, and a monthly auto-injector checks log.
What’s in the course
- What anaphylaxis isA severe allergic reaction, why it can be fatal, and what the sudden drop in blood pressure and narrowing airways mean.
- Recognising the signsThe three criteria that make anaphylaxis likely, how quickly symptoms appear, and why skin changes can be missing.
- Who is at risk and common triggersInsect stings, peanuts and other nuts, milk, fish, shellfish and certain medicines, and why asthma and eczema raise the risk.
- What happens in the bodyHow antibodies and histamine cause swelling, low blood pressure and breathing difficulty.
- Emergency responseThe ABCDE approach, calling 999 early, removing a visible sting and giving adrenaline without delay.
- Adrenaline auto-injectorsEpiPen, Anapen and Jext, where to inject, how to use the device safely and how adrenaline works.
- After a reaction and preventionWhy hospital observation follows, carrying the auto-injector at all times and avoiding known triggers.
- Assessment10 questions. Pass mark 80%. Resit as many times as you need.
What you’ll learn
- The three criteria that make anaphylaxis likely: sudden onset and rapid progression, life-threatening airway, breathing or circulation problems, and skin or mucosal changes such as flushing, raised rash or swelling of the eyes and lips
- Why skin changes alone do not mean anaphylaxis, and why they can be subtle or absent in up to 20% of reactions
- That vomiting, tummy pain and incontinence can also be part of a reaction
- The common triggers, including wasp and bee stings, peanuts and other nuts, milk, fish, shellfish and some antibiotics and painkillers
- How to use the Airway, Breathing, Circulation, Disability, Exposure (ABCDE) approach recommended by the Resuscitation Council (UK)
- To call 999 straight away and tell the operator you think it is anaphylaxis
- How to use an auto-injector in the outer thigh, pressing firmly rather than stabbing, and never into the buttocks
- Why the person still goes to hospital after adrenaline, as symptoms can return a few hours later
Who this course is for
- Practitioners and key persons caring for a child with a known allergy or a prescribed auto-injector
- Managers and room leaders who write allergy procedures and healthcare plans with parents
- Cooks and staff who prepare or serve food and snacks
- Every member of the team, since a reaction can start anywhere, at any time
How it works
- OnlineStudy on any device and pick up where you left off.
- Interactive moduleShort slides and knowledge checks you work through at your own pace.
- 10-question assessmentPass mark 80%. Resit as many times as you need.
- CertificateIssued when you pass. NFAQ accredited.
Training your team
In an emergency there is no time to find the one person who knows what to do, so every adult in the room should be ready to act. Choose the number of learners at checkout, with group rates from 3 learners, or get it as part of the Training Portal for £5 per learner per month. It pairs well with Allergen Awareness (Level 2) and Administration of Medicines in Early Years.
Frequently asked questions
Does the course show how to use an auto-injector?
Yes. It covers the EpiPen, Anapen and Jext, where on the outer thigh to inject, and how to press the device firmly into place without a stabbing action. The practice drill in the lesson resources gives your team a way to rehearse with a trainer pen.
Is a rash always a sign of anaphylaxis?
No. Skin changes on their own are not a sign of anaphylaxis, and in up to 20% of reactions they are subtle or missing altogether. The course teaches you to look for sudden breathing, airway or circulation problems as well.
How quickly does a reaction start?
Usually within minutes of contact with the allergen, but sometimes hours later. After eating a trigger food it can take from a few minutes to two hours. After a sting it usually takes 5 to 30 minutes.
What if we give adrenaline and it turns out not to be anaphylaxis?
The course explains that giving adrenaline should not harm someone if the diagnosis turns out to be wrong, and that it should be given as soon as a serious reaction is suspected. Waiting to be certain is the bigger risk.
Why does a child need to go to hospital if the adrenaline has worked?
Symptoms can come back a few hours later, so people are usually admitted for observation. Hospital staff can also give oxygen, fluids and further medicines if needed.
What happens if I don’t pass the assessment?
You can resit it as many times as you need until you pass. Your certificate is issued as soon as you reach the 80% pass mark.
