Recognize and respond to life-threatening allergic reactions quickly
Anaphylaxis is a life-threatening emergency caused by a severe allergic reaction. It can develop within seconds or minutes of exposure.
? Call 999 Immediately – Say: “Anaphylaxis”
? Use Adrenaline Auto-Injector (EpiPen)
Adrenaline is life-saving – do not delay!
Benedict’s Law is the new statutory guidance on allergy safety in schools, named after Benedict Blythe, a five-year-old who died from anaphylaxis at school. From September 2026, schools and state-maintained nurseries in England are expected to strengthen how they keep pupils with allergies safe.
As well as the familiar auto-injectors (EpiPen and Jext), there is now EURneffy – a needle-free nasal adrenaline spray that many staff find easier and more confident to use. Whichever device is given, call 999 and say "anaphylaxis".
Good allergy training is both knowledge and hands-on skill. Online awareness training (recognising a reaction and the school’s emergency response) is ideal for the whole team each year, but it does not replace face-to-face practical training in actually using the adrenaline devices. Staff need both.
Different rules apply outside England. Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland follow their own national guidance. The Department for Education’s final statutory guidance for England is expected around July 2026, and this guide will be updated when it is published.
First Aid For All offers free online allergy & anaphylaxis awareness training for all staff, plus the onsite practical training the guidance expects.
Allergy & anaphylaxis training for schools » | Book onsite training
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