Published by EDS Training Group
Anaphylaxis is a medical emergency
Anaphylaxis is a severe allergic reaction that can become life-threatening within minutes. Whether triggered by food, insect stings, medication or another allergen, the body’s immune response can rapidly affect the airway, breathing and circulation.
The good news is that adrenaline is a highly effective first-line treatment—but only if it is given promptly.
Many Australians are familiar with the EpiPen®, but there are now several approved adrenaline devices available, giving patients and healthcare providers more options than ever before.
The most important thing to remember is simple:
Don’t delay giving adrenaline if anaphylaxis is suspected.
What adrenaline devices are now available?
Australia now has four approved adrenaline devices available for people at risk of anaphylaxis.
EpiPen®
The device most Australians recognise.
Available in:
- EpiPen® Jr (150 micrograms) – suitable for children weighing 7.5–20 kg
- EpiPen® (300 micrograms) – suitable for children over 20 kg and adults.
Jext®
Jext® is another adrenaline auto-injector that works in a very similar way to the EpiPen®.
Available in:
- Jext® Jr (150 micrograms) – 7.5–20 kg
- Jext® (300 micrograms) – over 20 kg.
Anapen®
Anapen® uses a slightly different activation process and is available as:
- Anapen® 500 micrograms – generally prescribed for people over 50 kg, including adults.
neffy® – Australia’s first adrenaline nasal spray
One of the newest developments in anaphylaxis treatment is neffy®, an adrenaline nasal spray.
Rather than injecting adrenaline into the thigh, neffy® delivers adrenaline through the nose.
Current Australian prescribing recommendations include:
- 1 mg for children 15–30 kg (minimum age 4 years)
- 2 mg for children and adults 30 kg and above.
For some patients—particularly those who have a fear of needles or difficulty using an injector—this provides another option to discuss with their treating specialist.
Which device is best?
There isn’t one “best” device.
The right device depends on several factors, including:
- the person’s age
- their weight
- advice from their allergy specialist
- what has been prescribed for them.
Regardless of the device, adrenaline remains the first-line treatment for anaphylaxis.
Recognising anaphylaxis
Training often focuses on recognising the emergency before worrying about the equipment.
Common signs include:
Airway
- Swelling of the tongue
- Swelling of the throat
- Difficulty speaking
- Hoarse voice
Breathing
- Wheezing
- Persistent cough
- Difficulty breathing
- Noisy breathing
Circulation
- Pale appearance
- Collapse
- Dizziness
- Loss of consciousness
Skin
- Hives
- Widespread rash
- Swelling of the lips or face
Not everyone develops all of these symptoms, and severe breathing or circulation problems can occur even without a significant skin rash.
What should you do?
If anaphylaxis is suspected:
- Give the person’s prescribed adrenaline device immediately.
- Call 000 and request an ambulance.
- Lay the person flat if possible. If breathing is difficult, they may sit with legs outstretched. Do not allow them to stand or walk.
- Follow the person’s ASCIA Action Plan if available.
- If symptoms continue or worsen and medical help has not arrived, a second dose of adrenaline may be required after 5 minutes if available and advised under the ASCIA Action Plan.
- Hand the used device to paramedics and tell them the time it was administered. Each adrenaline device is designed for single use only.
Practice builds confidence
One of the biggest challenges we see during first aid training isn’t recognising anaphylaxis—it’s hesitation.
People worry about:
- “What if I’m wrong?”
- “What if I use it incorrectly?”
- “What if I hurt them?”
These concerns are understandable, but delaying adrenaline in true anaphylaxis poses a far greater risk than administering it when it is genuinely needed.
That’s why practical training is so valuable. Having the opportunity to handle training devices, recognise the signs of anaphylaxis and practise your response helps build the confidence to act when every second counts.
Key Takeaways
✔ Australia now has four approved adrenaline delivery devices available.
✔ The newest option, neffy®, is a nasal adrenaline spray suitable for eligible patients aged four years and over, depending on weight.
✔ The device prescribed depends on the individual’s age, weight and medical advice.
✔ Early recognition and prompt administration of adrenaline save lives.
✔ In any suspected anaphylaxis, give adrenaline first, then call 000.
Be Ready. Stay Safe.
At EDS Training Group, we believe confidence comes through practical experience. Our First Aid and CPR training includes realistic emergency scenarios, helping participants recognise life-threatening allergic reactions and respond quickly and effectively when it matters most.
