Food allergies affect 5-8% of UK children, making anaphylaxis training a vital skill every parent needs, not just those with allergic children. It’s very easy for parents to worry about common childhood dangers, so many of us are caught off guard when it comes to severe, life-threatening allergic reactions.
The smallest amounts of allergens can trigger fatal anaphylactic shock in susceptible people. Studies suggest that 1 in 1000 people live with the risk of anaphylaxis.
Epi-pen and Anaphylaxis training give you the skills and knowledge you need to be able to recognise anaphylactic shock and administer first aid quickly and effectively. The way we see it, the more people recognising anaphylaxis means safer people everywhere.
Why anaphylaxis awareness matters?
Parents should take notice of the scary rise in food allergies among children. Research published in The Lancet Public Health shows food allergy cases almost doubled between 2008 and 2018 with a significant increase in the 0 – 4 age bracket.. About 4% of preschool-aged children have food allergies. T
There doesn’t appear to be a clear cause for this increase although the research does suggest that early exposure to certain foods might protect children. Parents used to avoid giving their children potential allergens like peanuts and eggs early on. The guidance changed in 2009, and new allergy cases have started to level off which suggests new approaches to early nutrition might work.
The difference between allergies and anaphylaxis
Sometimes people mix up the terms “allergy” and “anaphylaxis,” but knowing the difference could save lives… Literally! An allergic reaction usually shows up as rashes or mild swelling in one area. Anaphylaxis affects multiple body systems and can become life-threatening faster.
Anaphylaxis happens when the immune system overreacts to triggers and releases chemicals that cause widespread inflammation. The main difference lies in how anaphylaxis affects breathing and heart function. A mild allergic reaction becomes anaphylaxis when someone struggles to breathe or their blood pressure drops dangerously low. If you suspect someone is suffering from anaphylaxis, they need emergency medical care. Call 999 immediately.
Common signs of anaphylaxis include:
- Difficulty breathing, wheezing or persistent coughing
- Swollen tongue, throat, lips, or face
- Tightness in the throat or difficulty swallowing
- Dizziness, faintness or confusion
- Pale, cold skin or blue-tinged lips
Quick action can save lives
At the risk of sounding incredibly bleak, most deaths from anaphylaxis happen within the first hour after exposure to an allergen. Every second counts in these situations.
Adrenaline (epinephrine) stands as the only effective treatment for anaphylaxis. It works by opening airways and raising blood pressure. Yet one-third of people at risk don’t carry these lifesaving autoinjectors.
Common triggers beyond food
Food allergies are a common cause of severe allergic reactions but other common allergens include:
- Certain medications
- Insect stings and bites
- Latex – Found in items such as disposable gloves, catheters and some adhesive tapes
Recognising early and severe symptoms
Recognising the warning signs of anaphylaxis gives you valuable time to act. Symptoms usually show up within seconds to minutes after exposure to an allergen, though they can take up to two hours to develop.
Early symptoms to watch for include:
- Chest tightness or discomfort
- Skin reactions including hives, redness and itching
- Swelling of the lips, face or affected body parts
- Difficulty swallowing or breathing
- Slurred speech or confusion
Symptoms can progress faster to more severe signs that affect multiple body systems. Anaphylaxis almost always impacts breathing and/or circulation. Severe symptoms that need emergency treatment right away include:
- Swollen tongue and throat causing airway blockage
- Wheezing, persistent cough or severe breathing difficulties
- Dizziness, faintness or sudden confusion
- Blue-tinged lips or pale skin (easier to spot on palms and soles in darker skin)
- Weak and rapid pulse or dramatically lowered blood pressure
Anaphylaxis becomes especially dangerous because it develops so quickly. Once symptoms start, they typically progress faster within minutes.
How Epi-pen and anaphylaxis training prepares you for emergencies
Everyone, but especially parents and carers, need proper training to handle anaphylactic emergencies. When you attend an Epi-Pen and Anaphylaxis training course, we can help transform from you from an anxious bystander into capable first responders. Our training course arms you with knowledge about severe allergic reactions, including:
- Recognition of mild, moderate, and severe allergic reaction symptoms
- Understanding common anaphylaxis triggers beyond just foods
- Emergency response protocols and step-by-step action plans
- Legal responsibilities and duty of care considerations
- Risk reduction strategies for various settings
To be honest, the most valuable part of anaphylaxis training involves hands-on practice with adrenaline auto-injectors so that you know how to:
- How to correctly hold the auto-injector in a firm grip
- Proper removal of safety caps
- Correct placement against the outer thigh
- The importance of holding the device in place for the required time (typically 3-10 seconds)
- Proper disposal and after-care procedures
The practical element of the training builds muscle memory and confidence that reading instructions alone just provide.
Who can attend and how to register
Parents, school staff, and caregivers responsible for people at risk of anaphylaxis can join these courses. You’ll receive a valid three-year certification after completing the course. Book onto one of our training courses by choosing your preferred date and location during registration. We can also arrange custom schedules if needed.
Knowing the difference between mild allergic reactions and life-threatening anaphylaxis helps us take decisive action in emergencies. If you want to find out more about attending training as an individual, or in your workplace, school, or community, feel free to get in touch.
