Anaphylaxis
Recognise a rapidly developing allergic emergency and get help while immediate treatment starts.
Clinical learning outcomes: Awaiting named clinical review.
What you should learn
- Identify features suggesting anaphylaxis, including presentations without established shock.
- Explain why early intramuscular adrenaline and repeated assessment matter.
Recognise and explain
- Distinguish anaphylaxis from less severe allergy and other causes of collapse.
On your placement
Agree an observed role with the team; rehearse the initial response in simulation.
- Find the emergency call process and anaphylaxis equipment.
- Work through recognition and initial actions in simulation.
- Discuss adrenaline preparation, route and monitoring with your supervisor.
Observe and understand
- Observe senior management of a reaction that does not respond to initial treatment.
Observation does not establish competence to perform these activities.
Start here
MLA: assess, act and reassess
Use the structured assessment approach, then discuss the anaphylaxis case in the student lesson.
Current guidance
RCUK emergency treatment of anaphylaxis
Read the recognition and initial-treatment sections, then discuss intramuscular adrenaline and reassessment with your supervisor.
Discuss
Recognising and treating anaphylaxis
Practise recognising anaphylaxis, giving the first treatment promptly and explaining why recovery needs a discharge plan.
On your next shift
In your next case discussion, name the finding that would make you call for immediate help.
How this relates to GMC graduate outcomes and the MLA
These are St Emlyn’s learning connections, not a claim that this page covers every national requirement.
Presentations and conditions: Anaphylaxis.
Clinical and professional capabilities: Assessment and clinical reasoning; Recognising limits and seeking help.
St Emlyn’s interpretation of relevant GMC graduate outcomes and MLA themes; these are summary labels, not official topic codes or a complete curriculum.
Explore the student placement programme
Student practice and graduate expectations
About this resource and its review
A St Emlyn’s guide to learning Emergency Medicine during undergraduate placements. It is not an official medical-school or GMC curriculum. Your medical school’s curriculum and assessment requirements take precedence.
National foundations: GMC Outcomes for Graduates, the practical-skills supplement and the MLA content map applying from September 2026.
Framework checked: 8 October 2026. This is a source check, not clinical sign-off.
Clinical learning outcomes: awaiting named clinical review.
The four learning routes are St Emlyn’s groupings. The six interconnected MLA domains remain part of the official content map.