Anaphylaxis Awareness and Training
Allergies are often misunderstood as being minor or inconvenient, but for many people they can be life-threatening.
Anaphylaxis is the most severe and life-threatening type of allergic reaction and can develop within minutes. It affects the whole body and can cause breathing difficulties, swelling, dizziness and collapse, making immediate treatment essential.
Common trigger for anaphylaxis:
According to Anaphylaxis UK and Allergy UK, common triggers for anaphylaxis include foods such as nuts, milk, eggs and shellfish, as well as insect stings, medicines and latex. Symptoms can escalate quickly, which is why recognising the warning signs early is critical. Adrenaline auto-injectors, often known by brand names such as EpiPens, are the first-line emergency treatment for severe allergic reactions.
What is happening in the body during an Anaphylactic reaction?
Chemicals, such as histamine, are rapidly released into the body’s circulation system. This causes muscles within our breathing system to become tighter, and to spams, making breathing more rapid. The heart also pumps faster, and fluid moves out of the vessels -causing a drop in blood pressure.
What are the signs and symptoms of Anaphylaxis?
Signs (something you can see) and symptoms (something you can feel or the person tells you) - relate to airway, breathing and circulation.
Airway - persistent coughing, changes in the voice, the tongue swelling, difficulty in swallowing, a sense that the throat is tightening
Breathing - rapid breathing, noisy breathing such as wheezing and a sense of difficulty in breathing
Circulation - clammy skin, confusion, feeling dizzy or lightheaded
What should I do in an Emergency?
Call 999 and state anaphylaxis
If the person has their own adrenaline auto injector - find it, so they can administer it.
If they can’t administer it - administer it for them, following the instructions on the side of the device.
Whilst waiting for the ambulance, lie the person down with their legs raised - unless this makes their breathing worse.
If the person does not improve they may require their second auto injector to be given.
Benedicts Law
The death of five-year-old Benedict Blythe in 2021 from an anaphylactic reaction to cow’s milk, highlighted the urgent need for stronger allergy awareness and safety measures in schools.
His story led to growing support for what is now known as “Benedict’s Law” - a campaign calling for better allergy management in educational settings, including improved staff training, clearer policies and access to life-saving medication.
“In February 2026 the Government formally passed Benedict’s Law committing to introduce mandatory, statutory allergy guidance for schools in England through the Department for Education.”
Allergy safety should never be treated as optional, and from September 2026 Schools and Early Years settings will have to implement the requirements of Benedict’s Law.
Benedict’s legacy continues to raise awareness across the UK and encourages conversations around allergy safety, inclusion and prevention. Greater education and understanding can help save lives and ensure that children and adults with allergies feel safer in schools, workplaces and everyday life.
Do you provide Training in Anaphylaxis?
Yes! I run sessions in Bury St. Edmunds or at your location. Specialist courses include Anaphylaxis Awareness Level 2 and Anaphylaxis Awareness for Healthcare Professionals.
Anaphylaxis training can also be included as part of CPR / Basic Life Support & AED Mandatory or update skill sessions.
Anaphylaxis and auto adrenaline injector training is taught as standard on all Paediatric First Aid Courses and First Aid at Work Courses. It can also be added on to EFAW courses by request. Get in Touch to discuss your training needs with us: info@angliacpr.co.uk