AAInc calls for government action to prevent teenage allergy deaths

In a press release issued last month, Anaphylaxis Australia (AAInc) has called on all governments, schools, and childcare centres to make 2009 the year of action to help keep those with life threatening allergies safe. Their concern is particularly for teenagers who represent nearly 70 percent of food-allergic fatalities

They believe Australia needs nationwide legislative changes to allow the urgent introduction of mandatory allergy and anaphylaxis training in all schools and childcare centres. At present, Victoria is the only state to have introduced legislation, with Western Australia promising to follow. New South Wales refused to introduce legislation despite it being listed as a coronial recommendation following the inquiry into the death of 13 year old Hamidur Rahman while on a school camp in 2002.

Fatal food-allergic reactions are most common among adolescents and young adults. They spend more time away from their homes, therefore needing to make their own food choices. They are also more likely to take risks. The burden of recognising and treating an allergic reaction is placed on them or those around them, which at this age is usually not their parents.

Anaphylaxis Australia states it is imperative that all children, not just those with allergies themselves, are appropriately educated about severe allergy in their primary school years, so when they reach their teenage years, sufferers, their friends and their classmates are all empowered to care for themselves and each other.