What is an anaphylaxis action plan and does my child need one?

An anaphylaxis action plan is a written, personalised document that I provide for every child under my care at Pratiksha Rainbow Children's Hospital, Guwahati, who is at risk of anaphylaxis. It is not a generic leaflet. It is specific to the individual child, naming their known allergen triggers, the symptoms that indicate anaphylaxis for that child, the exact emergency response steps, and the contact details for emergency services and for my clinic. The plan is formatted so that it can be understood and followed by anyone who might need to act in an emergency: a schoolteacher, a coach, a grandparent, or a neighbour, none of whom will have medical training. Every child at risk of anaphylaxis needs an action plan, not just children who have had a severe reaction before. The reason is that the first anaphylactic reaction in a child with a known sensitisation can be severe, and the people around the child need to know what to do before it happens, not while they are trying to call for guidance during an emergency. The plan is shared with the school in writing at the start of every academic year. Many schools in Goa and across India now require an anaphylaxis action plan before they will administer an auto-injector on school premises. A copy should also go to any relative or caregiver who regularly looks after the child without the parents present. The auto-injector and the action plan travel together: the auto-injector is only useful if the person holding it knows when to use it. At Pratiksha Rainbow Children's Hospital, Guwahati, I review and update the action plan at every annual allergy follow-up consultation as the child grows, as triggers change, and as the child becomes old enough to manage their own anaphylaxis preparedness.