Today, Safety Training Awards (STA) has introduced a new online Continuing Professional Development (CPD) programme to help swimming teachers, lifesavers, first aiders, tutors, employers and anyone wishing to develop their understanding of allergies, anaphylaxis and asthma.

The launch comes as greater attention is being placed on allergy awareness and emergency preparedness, particularly following the introduction of new statutory allergy safety guidance for schools in England.

STA’s new Allergies, Anaphylaxis and Asthma CPD provides an understanding of these conditions, including their causes, signs and symptoms, diagnosis and treatment, alongside first aid guidance and the professional responsibilities associated with supporting people affected by them.

The programme also covers the recognition and management of anaphylaxis, including adrenaline auto-injectors and nasal sprays, asthma attack first aid, and guidance on supporting people living with allergies and asthma.

The introduction of the new CPD follows growing calls for greater allergy awareness, including the campaign for Benedict’s Law, named in memory of five-year-old Benedict Blythe, who sadly died following an allergic reaction while at school.

The new statutory allergy safety guidance for schools in England sets out expectations for staff allergy awareness and emergency preparedness. STA’s CPD covers many of the key areas identified in the guidance and can support schools in fulfilling their allergy awareness training requirements, alongside any additional site-specific training and emergency response arrangements.

Helen Done, Qualifications and Business Development Manager at STA, said: “Recognising the signs of an allergic reaction, anaphylaxis or an asthma attack, and understanding how to respond appropriately, can make a significant difference when someone needs help.

“With the introduction of new statutory allergy safety guidance for schools, there is an increased focus on ensuring staff have the knowledge and confidence to respond in an emergency.

“Our new CPD provides accessible online learning to support this, helping people, particularly those who work or volunteer with children, develop a greater understanding of these conditions and the support individuals may require.”

Delivered entirely online, the programme takes approximately two hours to complete, with learners receiving a downloadable certificate and 0.5 CPD points upon completion. There is no formal assessment, and the programme does not expire.

The new Allergies, Anaphylaxis and Asthma CPD is now available to both STA members and non-members.

FIND OUT MORE

Information from Allergy UK, Anaphylaxis UK and Asthma + Lung UK was used to support the development of the CPD, alongside other relevant resources.