First Aid Guides
Allergic reactions in kids
First aid for allergic reactions
Allergies are becoming more common in Australia, with more children being diagnosed in recent years. An allergy occurs when a person's immune system reacts to substances in the environment that are harmless for most people.
Learn more about triggers, signs and symptoms of allergies
Start with DRSABCD
D - Danger
Assess the area to ensure its safe for yourself, others and the patient. Only proceed to help them if its safe.
R - Response
Check for a response. You can do this by asking their name and squeezing their shoulders.
- If they do respond: Make them comfortable and continue to follow the steps in this guide
- If they don't respond: Send for help immediately (call Triple Zero 000) and follow the DRSABCD Action Plan
First aid for mild to moderate allergic reactions
Here is a range of first aid treatments for allergies
For insect allergy or sting
Remove the trigger by scraping the sting out sideways with a fingernail and wash the area.
Food allergy
Ask the casualty to spit out any remaining food and rinse their mouth with water.
- Place child/patient in a position of comfort.
- Stay with them and call for help if symptoms get worse.
- Watch for any signs of symptoms getting worse or anaphylaxis and call Triple Zero (000) if this happens.
- Give medications such as antihistamines if prescribed by a GP or pharmacist (whilst antihistamines may be used to treat mild to moderate allergic reactions, if these progress to anaphylaxis, then adrenaline is the only suitable medication).
- See the anaphylaxis first responder guide for more information.
For mild to moderate allergies, the symptoms should fade or resolve between a couple of hours to a few days, depending on the trigger and whether medication has been used or not.
When to see a doctor
- The first time your child has any allergic reaction, take them to the GP. They will advise you how to treat the reaction next time it happens.
- Be aware that occasionally, a more severe reaction may occur when your child is exposed to the allergen for the second time.
- If you are worried, symptoms persist or get worse, take the child/patient to the GP or urgent care clinic for advice.
If symptoms of severe allergic reaction appear, call Triple Zero (000) for an ambulance.
Allergies and Anaphylaxis
Severe allergies are known as anaphylaxis and can be life threatening. For symptoms and management see the first responder guide for anaphylaxis.
Anaphylaxis
Allergies and breathing difficulties
Allergic reactions can result in breathing difficulties. See the guide below for more information
Breathing difficulties
What to do for allergies:
- DO remove the allergen or trigger, or remove the patient away from the area (e.g. smoke, dust, pet fur)
- DO monitor for symptoms getting worse or for signs of anaphylaxis
What not to do for allergies
- DON'T panic, especially if the patient is a child
- DON'T expose a patient with known allergies the trigger (e.g food)
