ASCIA action plans are standardized medical documents that explain exactly what to do if someone has a mild to moderate allergic reaction or a severe, life‑threatening reaction (anaphylaxis). They are designed so that families, schools, carers, and first aiders can respond quickly and consistently in an emergency.

What ASCIA action plans are

  • An ASCIA Action Plan is a written plan developed by the Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy (ASCIA) for people with diagnosed allergies and/or at risk of anaphylaxis.
  • These plans are nationally recognised in Australia and New Zealand and are used across schools, childcare, and healthcare settings as the standard medical response plan.

Mild to moderate vs anaphylaxis

  • The plans clearly show signs of mild to moderate reactions (such as hives, swelling, or stomach pain) and explain what to do, usually including giving antihistamines and monitoring while avoiding the trigger.
  • They also list the signs of anaphylaxis (such as breathing difficulty, tongue or throat swelling, collapse) and instruct when to treat as an emergency and call an ambulance.

Step‑by‑step emergency instructions

  • ASCIA Action Plans for Anaphylaxis include step‑by‑step instructions to give an adrenaline (epinephrine) injector into the outer mid‑thigh, position the person correctly (lying flat or sitting with legs out, recovery position if unconscious), and call an ambulance.
  • The 2026 versions include separate pages: one page with signs and actions for mild to moderate reactions and anaphylaxis, and another with device‑specific instructions for different adrenaline injectors.

Different types of ASCIA plans

  • There are specific plans for different situations:
    • ASCIA Action Plan for Anaphylaxis (for people prescribed an adrenaline device – usually red).
* ASCIA Action Plan for Allergic Reactions (for people with known mild to moderate allergies – usually green).

* ASCIA First Aid Plan for Anaphylaxis (orange general plan used with general‑use adrenaline injectors or as a poster in public settings).
  • There are also tailored plans for drug allergy and FPIES (Food Protein Induced Enterocolitis Syndrome), each outlining triggers, signs, and actions.

Why they matter now

  • With food allergies and anaphylaxis risk increasing, especially in children, current best‑practice guidelines for schools and early childhood services recommend that every at‑risk child has an individualised anaphylaxis care plan plus an ASCIA Action Plan.
  • Updated 2023–2026 plans have simplified layouts, colour‑coding, and electronic text fields for easier completion and use, reflecting ongoing efforts to improve safety and real‑world usability.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.