Why Every WA School, Club, and Workplace Needs Annual Anaphylaxis Training

Introduction: Anaphylaxis Is Rising Across Western Australia

Western Australia has seen consistent growth in allergy and anaphylaxis presentations, especially among children, teenagers, and young adults. Schools manage more allergies every year. Community sport involves shared food, unpredictable environments, and high-risk triggers. Workplaces face increasing venom and medication-related incidents, particularly in regional and outdoor settings.

Across coronial investigations nationwide, a clear pattern emerges: training was outdated, incomplete, or never done. Annual training closes those gaps.

Here is why every WA school, club, and workplace needs yearly anaphylaxis training.

1. Allergies Change Every Year

Children develop new allergies. Teens are statistically the highest-risk group for fatal food-related anaphylaxis. Adults develop new allergies to stings, medications, and exercise.

WA organisations must be ready for newly diagnosed individuals, updated medical plans, staffing changes, and evolving ASCIA guidelines. Annual training keeps everyone aligned with current risks.

2. Coronial Cases Show Recognition Failures Are Common

Many preventable deaths occurred because people did not recognise anaphylaxis early enough. Symptoms were mistaken for asthma, mild itch, or anxiety. Annual training refreshes recognition skills so symptoms are not missed.

People who train regularly spot patterns faster.

3. Early Adrenaline Saves Lives Only When People Are Confident

It is not enough to own an EpiPen. People must know where it is stored, how to use it, and when to administer it. Hesitation is a recurring factor in fatal cases. Annual training eliminates that hesitation.

Confidence leads to action.

4. WA Workplaces and Clubs Have High Turnover

Schools employ new staff every year. Childcare centres rotate rosters. FIFO sites change crew every swing. Sporting clubs rely heavily on volunteers. When training stops, capability disappears.

Consistency is the safety net.

5. Action Plans Work Only When Understood

ASCIA Action Plans are brilliant, but only if staff have read them, practised them, and handled trainer devices. Annual training turns a printed plan into genuine skill.

Knowledge becomes muscle memory.

6. Duty of Care and WHS Responsibilities

Every WA organisation has a responsibility to protect the people in its care. Annual training supports WHS compliance, duty-of-care expectations, and best-practice standards.

Nobody wants to face a preventable emergency without preparation.

7. WA Has Unique Environmental and Geographic Risks

Western Australia has high venom allergy rates, vast regional communities with longer emergency response times, and an outdoor culture that increases exposure to allergens. Annual training is not optional here; it is essential.

Preparedness protects lives.

8. Training Replaces Panic With Calm, Capable Action

People fall to the level of their training. Annual practice builds confidence, clarity, and speed. When emergencies happen, responders do not freeze; they act.

Training builds capability and calm under pressure.

Final Thoughts: Annual Training Saves Lives

WA is diverse, but every community shares one essential need: readiness. Annual anaphylaxis training strengthens your procedures, your culture, and the safety of every person on your site.

Although the Anaphylaxis training is part of First Aid and not the Annual CPR, it is my belief that we need to refresh the Asthma and Anaphylaxis training Annually - it is included in all First Aid and CPR sessions delivered by Britt at Regional Education and Career Help Australia - REACHAU.

Call to Action

If your school, club, or workplace needs updated anaphylaxis training, I can deliver tailored sessions anywhere in WA.

Contact Britt for more information or to book a session in your area or at your workplace.Align your team to ASCIA standards.

Build confidence, not confusion.
Protect your community.