Today I wanted to talk to you about anaphylaxis (pronounced an-uh-fuh-LAK-sis). Anaphylaxis is a life-threatening allergic condition.

It often happens very quickly, and symptoms can include difficulty breathing, swelling of the tongue, throat and lips, etc. 999 should be contacted and ideally anaphylaxis
should be stated for an urgent ambulance response time. The individual may carry an adrenaline auto-injector (AAI/ often called an EpiPen).

The ideal position for the casualty to be in is laying down with legs elevated. If they are short of breath also sit them up in this position.

Hold the auto-injector like this: see picture – Note how the fingers are wrapped around the pen (You do not want to know how many people I’ve seen who have held the ends and injected themselves in the thumb!!). Orange to the thigh blue to the sky (the sky is blue!!). Follow the directions on the auto-injector and administer to the thigh. If necessary, give a second dose (with a second autoinjector) into the other thigh after 5 minutes. Learn more about anaphylaxis, including symptoms and treatment, on the NHS website: www.nhs.uk/conditions/anaphylaxis.

Important Update: Benedict’s Law – from September 2026 Benedict’s Law requires all schools in England to stock spare AAI’s and provide comprehensive staff training.

Remember if it is a bee sting. Remove the sting with (for example) a bank card (pinching the sting can allow more toxins to enter the body).