Home Anaphylaxis information for child care services

Anaphylaxis information for child care services

Child care services need to be allergy aware and work with parents and guardians in the management of anaphylaxis.

The following resources provide guidelines and information for managing anaphylaxis in a child care environment.

Guidelines and policy

Anaphylaxis management guidelines for WA child care and outside school hours care services (PDF 1.39MB)
Sample anaphylaxis management policy for child care services (Word 92KB)

Healthcare plan and action plans

Anaphylaxis management training (professional development for educators)

Mandatory requirements for anaphylaxis management training are in force in WA. An educator/carer with current approved anaphylaxis management qualifications should be available at all times to respond to an anaphylaxis emergency.

Free quality assured, approved training

The ASCIA Anaphylaxis e-training course for child care (external site) was developed by the Australasian Society for Clinical Immunology and Allergy (ASCIA) with:
- Department of Health WA
- NSW Health
- Qld Government.
ACECQA first aid qualifications and training (external site) provides a full listing of approved courses.
ASCIA and the Department of Health WA are recognised for their specialist clinical expertise. They do not carry a course code as these only relate to Australian Skills Quality Authority accreditation, not ACECQA approval.

Regular practice in administering adrenaline autoinjectors

Education and care staff are encouraged to regularly practise how to administer adrenaline auto injectors using trainer devices
A complementary adrenaline auto injector trainer device is provided to your service when you join EpiClub (external site)
Training devices are also available from Allergy & Anaphylaxis Australia’s (external site)

Responding to anaphylaxis immediately and appropriately

Delaying adrenaline treatment increases the likelihood that anaphylaxis could result in death. When anaphylaxis occurs, respond immediately and appropriately by following the ASCIA Action Plan for Anaphylaxis (external site).
It is important to lay the person flat and not allow them to stand or walk, if breathing is difficult allow them to sit. If vomiting or unconscious, place in recovery position. Without delay, administer an adrenaline autoinjector. Immediately thereafter call an ambulance. In Western Australia, permission does not need to be sought from 000 ambulance services to give an adrenaline autoinjector.
School and education and child care staff do not need to seek permission from a parent before administering adrenaline to a child in their care with signs of anaphylaxis. School and child care staff acting in good faith and without recklessness are protected by State legislation

Adrenaline autoinjectors for general use to equip first aid kits

Adrenaline autoinjectors for general use ASCIA information sheet (external site)
Store with ASCIA Action Plans for Anaphylaxis (General) (external site)
WA has made specific legislative provisions for schools and child care services to hold adrenaline autoinjectors for general use without requiring a Poisons Permit, through an exemption to the WA Poisons Act (WA) 1964 (external site) - – Poisons Regulations (WA) 1965 exemption 41D (PDF 15KB). Services can purchase adrenaline autoinjectors over the counter from a pharmacy.

Fact sheets and other resources

Sector and organisation links