Anaphylaxis Training North East

Anaphylaxis is a severe and potentially life-threatening allergic reaction that can develop quickly after exposure to an allergen.

Common triggers include foods such as nuts, peanuts, dairy, eggs and shellfish, as well as medication, insect stings and other substances.

During an anaphylactic reaction, the airway, breathing and circulation can be affected, meaning urgent action is required. Recognising the signs early and knowing how to respond can make a significant difference.

The symptoms of anaphylaxis can vary, but may include:

Difficulty breathing
Swelling of the lips, tongue or throat
Wheezing or noisy breathing
Feeling faint, dizzy or confused
Collapse or unconsciousness
Pale, clammy skin
A widespread rash or hives
Nausea, vomiting or abdominal symptoms

A person does not need to show every symptom before anaphylaxis should be suspected. If a severe allergic reaction is suspected, emergency action should be taken.

Anaphylaxis can become life-threatening within minutes, meaning there may not be time to wait for emergency services before action is needed.

Training gives people the confidence to:

Recognise the signs of a severe allergic reaction
Understand when emergency action is required
Support someone experiencing anaphylaxis
Know how and when adrenaline auto-injectors are used
Call 999 and provide appropriate care until help arrives

Having trained people available can provide reassurance for individuals, families, employees and organisations.

Anaphylaxis training is suitable for anyone who may need to respond to a severe allergic reaction.

This includes:

Schools and nurseries
Childcare providers
Teachers and support staff
Food businesses and hospitality teams
Workplaces
Healthcare and support organisations
Sports clubs and community groups
Aesthetic practitioners
Beauty and cosmetic professionals

The most appropriate course will depend on your environment and the people you are responsible for.

Schools and childcare providers have a responsibility to consider allergy risks and ensure suitable arrangements are in place to protect children.

While having adrenaline auto-injectors available is an important safeguard, equipment alone is not enough. Staff need to understand how to recognise anaphylaxis, respond appropriately and support a child until emergency services arrive.

This is why many schools and childcare settings choose to include anaphylaxis awareness and emergency response training within their wider first aid arrangements.

Benedict’s Law refers to changes introduced following the campaign by the family of Benedict Blythe, a child who sadly died after experiencing an allergic reaction at school.

The legislation allows eligible schools and children's settings in England to purchase and hold spare adrenaline auto-injectors for emergency use.

The aim is to provide an additional safety measure for children at risk of anaphylaxis.

However, having emergency medication available is only one part of effective allergy management. Staff also need the knowledge and confidence to recognise a reaction, understand the emergency procedure and know when to call 999.

Benedict’s Law allows schools and eligible children's settings to hold spare adrenaline auto-injectors if they choose to do so and meet the relevant requirements.

It does not replace the need for individual allergy plans, prescribed medication or appropriate first aid arrangements.

Schools should consider their own circumstances, risk assessments and the needs of children in their care.

Anyone responsible for children should consider the risks associated with childhood emergencies, including choking, allergic reactions and anaphylaxis.

Children are particularly vulnerable to choking incidents because of their developing eating skills, while food is also one of the most common triggers for severe allergic reactions.

Paediatric First Aid training gives staff a wider emergency skill set, including:

Child and infant CPR
Choking management
Recognition of allergic reactions
Anaphylaxis response
Emergency decision-making

For settings where children eat, appropriate paediatric first aid provision provides valuable reassurance for staff, parents and children.

Yes. Anaphylaxis training covers the principles of using adrenaline auto-injectors, including when they may be required and how they form part of the emergency response.

There are different brands of adrenaline auto-injectors available, but the key principles remain the same:

Recognising a suspected anaphylactic reaction
Administering emergency medication when appropriate
Calling 999
Monitoring the casualty and providing ongoing support

Practical training helps learners develop confidence rather than relying on written instructions during an emergency.

Anaphylaxis training is highly recommended for aesthetic practitioners because some treatments involve substances or procedures where allergic reactions, although uncommon, may occur.

Practitioners providing treatments such as:

Dermal fillers
Injectable treatments
Skin procedures
Cosmetic treatments

should understand how to recognise and respond to a severe allergic reaction.

Having appropriate emergency training demonstrates a commitment to client safety and professional standards.

Anaphylaxis awareness training focuses on understanding the condition, recognising symptoms and knowing how to respond.

A regulated qualification provides a more structured assessment-based approach and may include practical assessment, depending on the course.

For workplaces, childcare settings and professional environments, a recognised qualification can provide additional reassurance that learners have demonstrated the required knowledge and practical skills.

We provide recognised Qualsafe Awards qualifications, including:

Adult BLS, AED and Management of Anaphylaxis

Suitable for adult-focused workplaces and organisations.

This combines:

Adult basic life support
CPR
AED use
Anaphylaxis management
BLS, AED and Management of Anaphylaxis for Adults, Children and Infants

Suitable for environments involving children and families.

This combines:

Adult CPR
Child CPR
Infant CPR
AED use
Anaphylaxis management

Yes. We provide on-site anaphylaxis training across the North East, including:

South Tyneside
Sunderland
Durham
Newcastle
Gateshead
North Tyneside
Northumberland

On-site training allows your team to learn together in a familiar environment and can be tailored to your organisation’s specific risks and requirements.

Regular refresher training is recommended to maintain confidence and ensure people remain familiar with emergency procedures.

Skills such as recognising symptoms, using emergency medication and responding calmly can become less familiar if they are not practised regularly.

Many organisations include anaphylaxis refreshers alongside their wider first aid training programme.

Anaphylaxis can be life-threatening and should always be treated as a medical emergency.

The outcome can depend on several factors, including how quickly the reaction is recognised, how quickly appropriate treatment is given and how soon emergency medical support arrives.

The best preparation is ensuring people know what to look for and feel confident taking action.