The Plan

Reduce

Recall

Reduce

The best way to help your mates with food allergies is by helping them to avoid eating foods where the dangerous food might be hiding.

These are the most common allergens and it is not always obvious when they are in food.

Here’s what you can do:

  1. Take the time to find out which of your friends have an allergy, and what they are allergic to.

  2. Help your mates to know what they’re eating.

    Help your friends by making sure the allergen is not in their food. If you’re not sure about a food, speak up and ask questions for yourself. It takes a village!

Recall

ASCIA Action Plan

If someone you know has ingested the food that they are allergic to, don’t panic.

Everyone with a diagnosed food allergy in Australia should have an individual ASCIA Action Plan. If you can locate it, follow the steps laid out.

If you can’t find it, don’t worry. Jump to the next step below — Respond.

Respond

Follow the steps below if someone starts getting a reaction (itchy, welts, face swelling).

Keep in mind:

  • Unexpected asthma or breathing symptoms need adrenaline straight away – these are very dangerous symptoms.

  • Adrenaline is found in EpiPens and Anapens, and Ambulances are well stocked. Adrenaline can treat asthma too, so don’t hesitate to use it for a sudden wheeze if you are not sure.

The Response Plan is easy to follow:

  1. Tell people nearby what’s happening so they can help

  2. Find an EpiPen or AnaPen, just in case.

    • If you don’t have one don’t waste time trying to find one – call 000 now.

  3. Keep the person off their feet, do not allow them to stand or walk

  4. Watch for symptoms that need adrenaline, including:

    • Difficulty Breathing

    • Cough (yes, just coughing)

    • Swelling of the throat

    • Dizziness

    • Wheezing

    • Asthma-like symptoms

  5. If any of these signs appear, stop! Use the EpiPen or Anapen and call 000. 

    Follow the instructions of the operator – they will help you from here.

Call 000