The Pharmaceutical Services Branch, NSW, has advised the Alliance that legislation regarding the legality of holding and administering adrenalin in cases of severe allergic reaction has recently been amended.

Any first aider carrying adrenaline will be required to hold an Occupational First Aid certificate, issued after attending a course that has been approved by the WorkCover Authority, and additionally that includes a component on anaphylaxis.

A person is authorised to be in possession of adrenaline in connection with the carrying out of anaphylaxis first aid if:

(a) the adrenaline is contained in single use automatic injectors that have been filled by the manufacturer with no more than 0.3milligrams of adrenaline each, and

(b) the person holds a current occupational first aid certificate issued after completion of an occupational first aid course approved by the WorkCover Authority as referred to in Occupational Health and Safety Regulation 2001, and the person has received training on the symptoms and first aid management of anaphylaxis from:

(i) a first aid training organisation approved by the WorkCover Authority, or

(ii) any organisation approved by the Director-General for the purposes of clause 17 (5) (b).

The automatic injectors may be purchased under these provisions from either a pharmaceutical wholesaler or from a community pharmacist.

Use of adrenalin in vaccination programs - NSW Screen Nurses should note amendments gazetted (pp. 75-76) on the 29th July, 2005, regarding the authorisation of registered nurses to carry and administer adrenalin and certain listed vaccines, subject to listed conditions, for use in community and workplace situations.