Anaphylaxis Awareness

What is Anaphylaxis?

Anaphylaxis is the most severe form of allergic reaction. It affects either a person’s airway and how they breathe, and/or the way blood is moved around the body (blood pressure). It is potentially life threatening and must always be treated as a medical emergency.

The most common causes of anaphylaxis are food, medications and insects. The things that cause or trigger anaphylaxis are called allergens. (Allergy & Anaphylaxis Australia- April 2025) 

There are some members of the EVPS community who identify as being anaphylactic to a variety of allergens but spontaneous events can occur to anyone at any time. As a school community, staff and students often engage in education surrounding the topics of anaphylaxis and allergies. All staff participate in mandatory education that covers twice yearly briefings and individual training to identify, assess and initiate First Aid care if the instance and event was to occur.

Things you can do to support and educate your children of high-risk foods associated with anaphylaxis such as all types of nuts, eggs, seafoods as common examples: Remind children not to share food with their peers. Promote hand hygiene when preparing and cleaning up from food areas.

At EVPS we encourage the use of non-food-based rewards, and engage with parents when upcoming celebrations or educational opportunities involve food to make reasonable adjustments to ensure everyone can be included.

We also have at the canteen a special Birthday Bucket of Zooper-Doopers that can be purchased to celebrate with class your little one’s special day. You can access this via the app used to make lunch orders.