ASCIA Action Plans and First Aid Plans for Anaphylaxis

The ASCIA Action Plan for Anaphylaxis is an emergency response plan for severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis). Current ASCIA Action Plans are the 2023 versions. However, prior versions (2022 and 2021) are still valid for use in 2023. Information about what has been updated in the 2023 plans is available at www.allergy.org.au/about-ascia/info-updates/new-2023-versions-of-ascia-action-plans-for-anaphylaxis  

ASCIA Action Plans do not expire, and therefore the plan is still valid beyond the recommended review date, which is a guide for patients to see their doctor. For more information about ASCIA Action Plans go to www.allergy.org.au/hp/anaphylaxis/action-plans-for-allergic-reactions-faq

To access the ASCIA Travel Plan for people at risk of anaphylaxis go to www.allergy.org.au/hp/anaphylaxis/ascia-travel-plan-anaphylaxis

ASCIA Action Plans are medical documents that are completed and signed by the treating doctor or nurse practitioner. A signature is sufficient, ASCIA Action Plans do NOT need to be stamped. To insert a digital photograph and signature, first save as a PDF after typing patient details into the text fields. Alternatively, a physical photograph can be glued to the plan, with a wet or digital signature. 

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ASCIA Action Plans for Anaphylaxis

ASCIA Action Plan for Anaphylaxis (RED) 2023 The general version of this plan is for people with allergies who have been prescribed either brand of adrenaline injector device.  Device specific versions are available below. These plans are not for allergic rhinitis (hay fever) due to pollen, dust mite, animals or other inhaled allergens.  ASCIA Action Plan Anaphylaxis Red General 2023
ASCIA Action Plan Anaphylaxis Red Anapen 2023	ASCIA Action Plan Anaphylaxis Red EpiPen 2023
ASCIA Action Plan for Allergic Reactions (GREEN) 2023 This plan is provided to people with allergies who have not been prescribed an adrenaline injector.  This plan is not for allergic rhinitis (hay fever) due to pollen, dust mite, animals or other inhaled allergens. ASCIA Action Plan Allergic Reactions Green 2023
ASCIA Action Plan for Drug (Medication) Allergy (GREEN) 2023 This plan is provided to people with drug (medication) allergies who are not usually prescribed an adrenaline injector, because accidental exposure to drugs can mostly be avoided. They are usually recommended to wear medical identification, to avoid exposure to drugs used in medical procedures.   ASCIA Action Plan Drug Allergy Green 2023
ASCIA Record for Drug (Medication) Allergy (GREEN) 2023 This record should be used in conjunction with the patient’s ASCIA Action Plan for Drug (Medication) Allergy.  ASCIA Record Drug Allergy 2023

ASCIA First Aid Plans for Anaphylaxis (ORANGE)

This plan can be used as a poster or stored with general use adrenaline injectors. 

A version of this plan for use by crew on aircraft is available upon request.

For translated versions of the ASCIA First Aid for Anaphylaxis go to www.allergy.org.au/hp/anaphylaxis#ta5 

ASCIA First Aid Plan for Anaphylaxis (ORANGE) 2023 The general version of this plan can be used as a poster or stored with either brand of general use adrenaline injector devices.  Device specific versions are available below. ASCIA First Aid Plan Anaphylaxis General 2023
ASCIA First Aid Plan Anaphylaxis Anapen 2023	ASCIA First Aid Plan Anaphylaxis EpiPen 2023
ASCIA First Aid Plan for Anaphylaxis (ORANGE) 2023 Pictorial Poster  The plan is best viewed when printed as an A3 poster. ASCIA First Aid Plan Anaphylaxis Pictorial A3 Poster 2023

Important information:

1. ASCIA Action Plans were first developed in 2003 to standardise the recognition of signs and symptoms of anaphylaxis and provide easy to follow steps for the emergency treatment of allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis. They continue to be used as the standard action plans throughout Australia and New Zealand. The content is regularly reviewed by experts and updated as required. A major formatting update has been made in 2023, to improve ease of use.

2. Whilst ASCIA Action Plans do not expire, they should be reviewed and updated when patients are reassessed by their doctor or nurse practitioner, This should occur each time they obtain a new adrenaline injector prescription, which is approximately every 12 to 18 months. If the patient is a child, the photo should be updated each time, so they can be easily identified.

3. ASCIA Action Plans for Anaphylaxis can be used for people with food, insect, tick and drug allergies, or any other allergy that can result in a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis). If a person only has a drug allergy and does not have a prescribed adrenaline injector, the ASCIA Action Plan for Drug (Medication) Allergy should be used. These plans are not for allergic rhinitis (hay fever) due to pollen, dust mite, animals or other inhaled allergens.

4. Adrenaline injectors contain a single, fixed dose of adrenaline and are designed to be used by anyone (medical training is not required), or the patient themselves, if they are not too unwell or too young.. It is generally recommended that people who have an adrenaline injector should also wear a medical identification/emergency response emblem, or other medical identification.

5. ASCIA Action Plans should be used as part of a comprehensive anaphylaxis management plan that includes:
   - Age appropriate education of people with allergies and their peers or colleagues. 
   - Training in the recognition and management of allergic reactions.
   - Development of strategies to reduce the risk of accidental exposure
   - An ASCIA Action Plan to be used as an emergency response plan for when exposure to allergens occurs. 

6. For further information about ASCIA Action Plans and other anaphylaxis resources go to www.allergy.org.au/anaphylaxis   

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Content updated June 2023