Anaphylaxis

Anaphylaxis: Recognition and First Response

Build confidence in recognising and responding to anaphylaxis when every minute counts. I’ll guide you through the early signs of a severe allergic reaction, how to distinguish anaphylaxis from other presentations that can look similar, and the immediate actions that make the difference in the first critical minutes.

This practical, case-based course keeps the focus on clear decision-making and safe, timely response, building on the clinical knowledge you already bring to your everyday practice.

Key learning points

  • Recognise the early signs and features of anaphylaxis

  • Distinguish anaphylaxis from look-alike presentations

  • Prioritise the immediate actions in the first minutes of response

  • Understand the role of adrenaline and when to use it

  • Consider ongoing management, monitoring and escalation

  • Reflect on follow-up care and prevention after the acute event

Interactive and grounded in realistic scenarios, this course helps clinicians answer the critical question: “This patient is reacting, so what do we do now?”

Your Instructor-Marguerite O’Sullivan

I have worked as a registered nurse for nearly twenty years working in Paediatrics, PACU, Rural ED and ICU. I also worked as a Rural hospital Duty Nurse manager and CTC at Burwood Hospital.

I am currently working towards a Masters of Health Science endorsed in Nursing with a focus on acutely unwell patients and resuscitation.

When I am not working or studying I teach as a CORE instructor and a pre-hospital trauma instructor. I like to take a flexible approach to help participants to learn in the best way for them and aiming to send them away feeling ready to tackle the unexpected.