The prevalence of anaphylaxis in Australia has increased significantly over the last decade with almost 20% of all Australians now having at least one know allergic disease.

Life Saving Victoria’s Anaphylaxis course will equip candidates with the skills and knowledge to safely assist an individual who is suffering from an anaphylactic reaction in an emergency situation.

The course focus includes understanding anaphylaxis, risk minimisation and auto-injector administration.

This course is recommended for any person responsible for the care of a person with an Anaphylaxis allergy. It is also recommended for Teachers, Child care staff, Care workers, Sports coaches / personnel and parents / guardians.

Unit – VU21800 Provide First Aid Management of Anaphylaxis

1.1. Triggers of allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis, are recognised, as stipulated on the individual ASCIA Action Plan for Anaphylaxis.
1.2. Anaphylactic reactions are distinguished from mild to moderate allergic reactions, as stipulated on the ASCIA Action Plan for Anaphylaxis.
1.3. Casualty’s physical condition is assessed and the signs of severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) are identified, in accordance with the ASCIA Action Plan for Anaphylaxis.
2.1. Risks and hazards are identified and removed according to the ARC Basic Life Support flow chart without delaying administration of adrenaline using an adrenaline injector.
2.2. Required response is determined in accordance with the ASCIA Action Plan for Anaphylaxis, or the ARC Basic Life Support flow chart.
2.3. An adrenaline autoinjector is sourced promptly and the necessary checks are conducted on its suitability for use.
3.1. Casualty is placed in the correct position for treatment, in accordance with the ASCIA Action Plan for Anaphylaxis.
3.2. Adrenaline is administrated using an adrenaline autoinjector correctly and promptly.
3.3. Emergency action is provided in accordance with the ASCIA Action Plan for Anaphylaxis and the organisation’s emergency response procedures.
3.4. Casualty’s physical condition is monitored in accordance with current first aid principles and the ASCIA Action Plan for Anaphylaxis.

Unit – VU21801 Develop Risk Minimisation and Risk Management Strategies for Anaphylaxis

1.1. Individuals at risk of mild to moderate allergic reactions and anaphylaxis are identified according to organisational procedures.
1.2. Medical Information is obtained, including an Australian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy (ASCIA) Action Plan for Anaphylaxis, which has been completed and signed by the individual’s medical practitioner.
1.3. Individual anaphylaxis management plan is prepared in consultation with the individual / parent / carer, and distributed to all staff responsible for the individual at risk.
1.4. Individual anaphylaxis management plan is reviewed at the start of each school year for school-aged children and otherwise annually, in accordance with organisational procedures and the ASCIA guidelines.
2.1. Risk assessment is undertaken for proposed activities in different environments.
2.2. Strategies are implemented to reduce the risk of an individual’s exposure to known triggers / allergens.
2.3. Effectiveness of risk minimisation strategies are reviewed annually, or after incidents, and feedback is provided to relevant staff.
2.4. Regular checks are conducted on the adrenaline autoinjector stock to ensure they are not out-of-date, or discoloured.
3.1. Relevant stakeholders are identified to facilitate efficient distribution of information.
3.2. A communication plan is prepared in consultation with all relevant stakeholders, in accordance with the organisation’s procedures.
3.3. Information relevant to the stakeholder cohort is prepared and communicated.
3.4. The communication plan is reviewed annually to maintain its effectiveness.

The assessment for this course includes three key components. The first two components are i) a multiple choice assessment and ii) a practical based assessment. These are based on the content taught during the training session and are completed under exam conditions by each individual candidate. The third component of the assessment is the reporting component which will see candidates complete i) an Anaphylaxis Practical Report Form, ii) an Anaphylaxis Action Plan and finally iii) an Individual Anaphylaxis Management Plan Template. These are tasks are discussed and planned in group, although each candidate is required to be completed an individual form based on the scenario/s provided.

Practical Assessment Checklist

Task 1: Initial Patient Assessment
1.1. Identify and appropriately respond to dangers (hazards) to persons affected
1.2. Ensure identified risks are appropriately assessed
1.3. Casualty’s condition is assessed for acute signs and symptoms of anaphylaxis

Task 2: Patient Management and Variations
2.1. Conduct a survey of patient’s signs and symptoms to determine patient condition
2.2. Reassure patient and place in a suitable position
2.3. Make patient comfortable using available resources
2.4. Resources and equipment are identified, accessed and assessed
2.5. Ensuring the casualty is continually monitored
2.6. Call 000 and communicate accurate incident details to emergency services / appropriate personnel

Task 3: Equipment Management to Organisations Procedures
3.1. Review of casualty’s response to the treatment provided
3.2. Provide accurate verbal report of patient condition and procedures performed to relieving personnel
3.3. Debrief – discuss and provide support for the psychological impact and individual needs

1. Are there any prerequisites?

Due to the physical requirements of this course, the minimum age for candidates is 14 years.

2. How long is my qualification valid for?

The qualification is valid for a period of 3 years. **Those working in an education setting should take part in some form of anaphylaxis refresher workshop annually.

3. How can I best prepare for the course?

In order to get the most out of the day, please ensure you arrive on time so the course can run to schedule. The venue address and any relevant information will be listed on your confirmation email. Please wear comfortable clothing and bring along the following:

What happens if I don’t pass?

As the course is competency based, you will need to ensure that you can demonstrate all the necessary requirements of the three units of competency. If you unable to perform a specific task on the day of the course, you will be deemed ‘not yet competent’ in that skill. You will be given the opportunity to attend a course at a later date (at no charge), in order to retrain and be reassessed on the particular skill or area of knowledge.

(For more Frequently Asked Questions, please refer to the FAQ’s on the left panel of the training menu).

The prevalence of asthma in Australia continues to increase with 1 in 10 children and adults now suffering. In total over 2 million Australian are currently affected by this condition.

This course will equip candidates to understand the condition and subsequently safely assist and manage an individual with an asthmatic condition in an emergency situation.

The course focus includes asthma management planning, preventative measures, casualty recognition / response and the safe use of bronchodilators.

This course is recommended for any person responsible for the care of a person with Asthma. It is also recommended for teachers, child care staff, care workers, sports coaches / personnel and parents / guardians.

Unit – 10392NAT Course in Emergency Asthma Management

1.0. Identify and remove risks/hazards to the casualty and first aider
1.1. Recognise the range of signs and symptoms associated with asthma
1.2. Assess the casualty and recognise the need for first aid response
1.3. Sit the person upright and use available resources to make the casualty as comfortable as possible
1.4. Obtained consent and reassured the casualty
1.5. Call for assistance from another person close by
1.6. Assess the situation and seek assistance from emergency response services
1.7. Obtain person asthma action plan and medication or follow workplace first aid policies and procedures
1.8. Check the medication expiry date/contents
1.9. Provide first aid asthma management in accordance with established first aid principles
1.10. 2.3 Display respectful behaviour towards casualty
1.11. Accurately convey incident details to emergency response services
1.12. Report details of incident to workplace supervisor as appropriate
1.13. Maintain confidentiality of records and information in line with statutory and/or organisational policies

The assessment for this course includes two key components. These are i) a multiple choice assessment and ii) a practical based assessment. These are based on the content taught during the training session and are completed under exam conditions by each individual candidate.

Practical Assessment Checklist

Task 1: Asthma first aid using a MDI (puffer) and spacer
1.1. Identified and removed risks/hazards to the casualty and first aider
1.2. Recognised the range of signs and symptoms associated with asthma
1.3. Sat the person upright
1.4. Obtained consent and reassured the casualty
1.5. Called for assistance from another person close by
1.6. Obtain person’s asthma action plan and medication or follow workplace first aid policies and procedures
1.7. Check the medication expiry date/contents
1.8. Shake the blue reliever puffer and take off the dust cap
1.9. Attach the puffer to the end of spacer
1.10. Place mouthpiece of spacer in mouth of person and ensure lips seal around it. Breathe out gently
1.11. Assist the casualty to press down on puffer canister once to fire medication into the spacer
1.12. Have person breathe in and out normally for 4 breaths
1.13. Shake puffer and repeat until 4 puffs have been taken

1. Are there any prerequisites?

Due to the physical requirements of this course, the minimum age for candidates is 14 years.

2. How long is my qualification valid for?

The qualification is valid for a period of 12 months. In order to maintain currency, you must do a refresher / update course prior to the 12 month expiry date.

3. How can I best prepare for the course?

In order to get the most out of the day, please ensure you arrive on time so the course can run to schedule. The venue address and any relevant information will be listed on your confirmation email. Please wear comfortable clothing and bring along the following:

What happens if I don’t pass?

As the course is competency based, you will need to ensure that you can demonstrate all the necessary requirements of the three units of competency. If you unable to perform a specific task on the day of the course, you will be deemed ‘not yet competent’ in that skill. You will be given the opportunity to attend a course at a later date (at no charge), in order to retrain and be reassessed on the particular skill or area of knowledge.

(For more Frequently Asked Questions, please refer to the FAQ’s on the left panel of the training menu).