Annual Anaphylaxis Training for WA Schools and Workplaces

By Britt Brennan, REACHAU | Updated 16 October 2026

Anaphylaxis is a growing concern across Australia

Allergy and anaphylaxis presentations have been rising, especially among children, teenagers and young adults. Schools manage more allergies every year. Community sport involves shared food, unpredictable environments and common triggers. Workplaces face venom and medication-related incidents, particularly in regional and outdoor settings.

Across coronial investigations, a pattern appears again and again: training was outdated, incomplete or never done. Regular practice helps close those gaps.

Here is why every WA school, club and workplace should keep their anaphylaxis skills current.

1. Allergies change over time

Children develop new allergies. Teens and young adults are among the highest-risk groups for fatal food-related anaphylaxis. Adults can develop new allergies to stings, medications and food.

Organisations need to be ready for newly diagnosed individuals, updated medical plans, staffing changes and changes to ASCIA guidelines. Regular practice keeps everyone aligned with current risks.

2. Coronial cases show recognition failures are common

Many preventable deaths involved anaphylaxis that was not recognised early enough. Symptoms were mistaken for asthma, a mild itch or anxiety. Refreshing recognition skills helps make sure symptoms are not missed.

People who practise regularly spot patterns faster.

3. Early adrenaline helps most when people are confident

It is not enough to own an adrenaline device. People need to know where it is stored, how to use it and when to give it. Hesitation is a recurring factor in fatal cases.

Regular scenario practice can help people recognise anaphylaxis and respond with greater confidence.

4. Schools, workplaces and clubs have high turnover

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

Consistency is the safety net.

5. Action plans work when they are understood

ASCIA Action Plans are valuable, but only if people have read them, practised them and handled trainer devices. Practice turns a printed plan into a skill.

Knowledge becomes muscle memory.

6. Duty of care and WHS responsibilities

Every organisation has a responsibility to protect the people in its care. Regular training supports WHS first aid obligations, duty of care expectations and good practice. Requirements differ between settings, so check what applies to yours.

7. Western Australia has its own geographic risks

Vast regional communities mean longer emergency response times. An outdoor culture increases exposure to stings and other allergens. In those settings, the people on site are the first response.

Preparedness protects lives.

8. Training replaces panic with calm, capable action

People fall to the level of their training. Regular practice builds confidence, clarity and speed. When an emergency happens, responders are more likely to act.

Why Practising Your Anaphylaxis Response Matters

Every community shares one essential need: readiness. Regular practice strengthens your procedures, your culture and the safety of everyone on your site.

My recommendation: I believe asthma and anaphylaxis skills should be refreshed every year. This is my professional view, not a universal legal requirement. Anaphylaxis response is covered in HLTAID011 Provide First Aid, and the right schedule for you depends on your setting and responsibilities.

Frequently asked questions

How often should anaphylaxis skills be refreshed?

My professional view is every year. That is not a universal legal requirement. The right schedule depends on your setting, applicable requirements and individual responsibilities.

Is owning an adrenaline device enough?

No. People need to know where it is stored, how to use it and when to give it. Hesitation is a recurring factor in fatal cases.

Why do schools, clubs and workplaces need regular practice?

Allergies change, staff and volunteers turn over, and coronial cases often show anaphylaxis was not recognised early enough. Regular practice keeps skills and plans current.

Does anaphylaxis training support WHS obligations?

Regular training supports WHS first aid obligations, duty of care expectations and good practice. Requirements differ between settings, so check what applies to yours.

Which REACHAU course covers anaphylaxis response?

Anaphylaxis response is covered in HLTAID011 Provide First Aid.