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 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 – ASTMAW001 – Manage asthma in the workplace

1.1. Identify signs and symptoms of an asthma flare-up
1.2. Assist a person experiencing an asthma flare-up
1.3. Provide emergency first aid to a person experiencing a severe or life-threatening asthma attack using a metered dose inhaler and spacer device.
1.4.  Identify asthma triggers and identify strategies to minimise contact with them.