Background

Anaphylaxis is a severe, rapidly progressive allergic reaction that is potentially life threatening. The most common allergens in school aged children are peanuts, eggs, tree nuts (cashews), cow’s milk, fish and shellfish, wheat, soy, sesame, latex, certain insect stings and medication.

The key to prevention of anaphylaxis in schools is knowledge of those students who have been diagnosed at risk, awareness of triggers(allergens), and prevention of exposure to these triggers. Partnerships between schools and parents are important in ensuring that certain foods or items are kept away from the student while at school.

Adrenaline given through an EpiPen auto-injector to the muscle of the outer thigh is the most effective first aid treatment for anaphylaxis.

Purpose

• To provide, as far as is practicable a safe and supportive environment in which students at risk of anaphylaxis can participate equally in all aspects of a student’s schooling.
• To raise awareness about anaphylaxis and the schools anaphylaxis management policy in the in the school community.
• To engage with parents/guardians of students at risk of anaphylaxis in assessing risks, developing risk minimization strategies and management strategies for the student.
• To ensure that each staff member has adequate knowledge about allergies, anaphylaxis and the school’s policy and procedures in responding to an anaphylactic reaction.

Individual Management Plans

The campus nurse will ensure that an individual anaphylaxis management plan is developed, in consultation with the student’s parents, for any student who has been diagnosed by a medical practitioner as being at risk of anaphylaxis.

The individual anaphylaxis management plan will be in place as soon as practicable after the student enrolls and where possible before their first day of school.

The individual anaphylaxis management plan will set out the following:

• Information about the diagnosis, including the type of allergy or allergies the student has (based on a diagnosis from a medical practitioner).
• Strategies to minimize the risk of exposure to allergens while the student is under the care or supervision of school staff, for in-school and out of school settings including camps and excursions.
• The name of the person responsible for implementing the strategies.
• Information on where the student’s medication will be stored.
• The student’s emergency contact details.

The student’s individual management plan will be reviewed:

• with the student’s parent or guardian
• annually, and as applicable
• if the student’s condition changes, or
• immediately after a student has had an anaphylactic reaction at school.

It is the responsibility of the parent to:

• medical diagnosis and/or information from the student’s physician
• Inform the school if the child’s medical condition changes, and if relevant provide an updated emergency procedures plan when the plan is provided to the school and when it is reviewed.

The campus nurse will be responsible for ensuring that a communication plan is developed to provide information to all staff, students and parents about anaphylaxis and the schools anaphylaxis management policy.

The communication plan will include information about what steps will be taken to respond to an anaphylactic reaction by a student while at school or at school events.

Staff Training and Emergency Response

Appropriate campus staff will receive training on anaphylaxis management. The training should include:

• the schools anaphylaxis management policy
• the causes, symptoms and treatment of anaphylaxis
• the identities of students diagnosed at risk of anaphylaxis and where their medication is located
• how to use an auto adrenaline injecting device
• the school’s first aid and emergency response procedures

Teachers and other school staff who have daily contact with students at risk of anaphylaxis must have up to date training on anaphylaxis management.

Training for staff will be provided as soon as practicable.

The school’s first aid procedures and student’s emergency procedures will be provided in responding to an anaphylactic reaction.

Contact your student's campus nurse if with any questions or concerns.