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First aid · Australia

Anaphylaxis

Lay the person flat unless breathing is difficult, give their adrenaline injector without delay if available, then call 000. Do not let them stand or walk.

Medical emergency? Call 000

What to do

  1. Position safely

    Lay the person flat and do not let them stand or walk. If breathing is difficult, allow them to sit with legs outstretched.

    Take care. Do not let the person stand or walk.

  2. Give adrenaline immediately

    Help the person use their adrenaline injector immediately if one is available.

    Avoid: Waiting for a rash, a second body system or a complete diagnosis before giving adrenaline.

    Take care. Do not rely on antihistamines for anaphylaxis.

    Take care. Do not delay adrenaline while looking for other treatments.

  3. Call 000

    Call 000 and say anaphylaxis.

  4. Repeat adrenaline if needed

    If there is no improvement after five minutes, give a second injector if available.

  5. Stay and monitor

    Stay with them and begin CPR if they become unresponsive and are not breathing normally.

Know when to act

When to get help

  • Breathing difficulty, throat or tongue swelling, wheeze, collapse, sudden dizziness or a severe reaction involving multiple body systems requires 000.

Children and babies

  • A young child may look pale and floppy rather than describing breathing or throat symptoms. Hold the child flat and do not let them stand or walk.
  • Use the child dose adrenaline device or the child action plan when prescribed, and follow the device instructions.
  • If the child is unconscious, use the recovery position; if they are unresponsive and not breathing normally, start CPR and follow 000 instructions.

Keep checking

  • Watch breathing and response continuously until help arrives.

What you may notice

  • Difficult or noisy breathing, wheeze, persistent cough, a hoarse voice or difficulty talking.
  • Swelling of the tongue or tightness in the throat, persistent dizziness or collapse.
  • A pale, floppy young child, with or without skin symptoms.
  • Hives or welts, swelling of the face or lips, abdominal pain or vomiting may occur, but anaphylaxis can happen without a rash.

When help arrives

  • If symptoms persist 5 minutes after the first adrenaline injection, give a second adrenaline device if available and follow the 000 call-taker.
  • Transfer the person to hospital for at least 4 hours of observation because symptoms can return after initial improvement.
  • Tell responders what may have triggered the reaction, when symptoms started, which device and dose were given and whether symptoms changed.

Other useful answers

Can anaphylaxis happen without a rash?

Yes. Severe and sudden breathing difficulty, wheeze, persistent cough or a hoarse voice can be anaphylaxis even when there are no skin symptoms. Give adrenaline first and call 000.

What if the person improves after adrenaline?

Still call 000 and arrange hospital care. Symptoms can return, so keep the person under observation and do not let them stand or walk.

What if the person also has asthma?

For suspected anaphylaxis, give the adrenaline device first, then use the asthma reliever as directed while waiting for emergency help.

Sources and last update

Content updated: August 2026.

These sources inform the guidance. This independent resource is not a substitute for a first aid course or medical assessment. An editorial update is not independent clinical review. Source organisations have not endorsed this site.

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