Anaphylaxis in Schools 3rd Edition
Anaphylaxis in Schools 3rd Edition
Anaphylaxis in Schools 3rd Edition
Create successful ePaper yourself
Turn your PDF publications into a flip-book with our unique Google optimized e-Paper software.
child/school with an ep<strong>in</strong>ephr<strong>in</strong>e auto-<strong>in</strong>jector which is not expired (parents should keep a log of<br />
expiry dates and replace outdated auto-<strong>in</strong>jectors).<br />
• Should complete an <strong>Anaphylaxis</strong> Emergency Plan which has the child’s photograph and allergy<br />
<strong>in</strong>formation, emergency contact numbers, emergency protocol, signature of a parent/guardian and, if<br />
required, the signature of the child’s physician. (See Appendix D.)<br />
• Should provide consent which allows school staff to use an ep<strong>in</strong>ephr<strong>in</strong>e auto-<strong>in</strong>jector when they<br />
consider it necessary <strong>in</strong> an allergic emergency.<br />
• Should not sign a waiver absolv<strong>in</strong>g the school of responsibility if ep<strong>in</strong>ephr<strong>in</strong>e was not <strong>in</strong>jected.<br />
• For food-allergic children, should provide non-perishable foods (<strong>in</strong> case child’s lunch is forgotten at<br />
home) and safe snacks for special occasions.<br />
• Should communicate with school staff about field trip arrangements.<br />
• Should meet with foodservice staff to <strong>in</strong>quire about allergen management policies and menu items,<br />
if their child is to eat foods prepared at the school.<br />
Consensus Statement<br />
Children at Risk<br />
Allergic children who have been diagnosed as be<strong>in</strong>g at risk of anaphylaxis should:<br />
• Have an auto-<strong>in</strong>jector with their name on it, kept <strong>in</strong> a readily accessible location which is unlocked.<br />
• Carry their own auto-<strong>in</strong>jector when age appropriate, usually by the age of 6 or 7.<br />
• Refra<strong>in</strong> from eat<strong>in</strong>g if they do not have an auto-<strong>in</strong>jector with them.<br />
• Be very cautious about eat<strong>in</strong>g foods prepared by others.<br />
• Not share foods or utensils.<br />
• Wash hands with soap and water before and after meals.<br />
• Wear medical identification, such as a MedicAlert ® bracelet which clearly identifies their allergy, or a<br />
special badge <strong>in</strong> the case of very young children <strong>in</strong> the nursery sett<strong>in</strong>g.<br />
• Inform someone (preferably an adult) immediately after accidental exposure to an allergen or as<br />
soon as symptoms occur.<br />
School Community<br />
• All school staff should be aware of children who have an allergy that may trigger an anaphylactic<br />
reaction and be prepared to treat them <strong>in</strong> accordance with the emergency protocol. Information<br />
about children with life-threaten<strong>in</strong>g allergies should be readily available. Many teachers keep a<br />
copy of their students’ <strong>Anaphylaxis</strong> Emergency Plans <strong>in</strong> their “day book”; this is where important<br />
<strong>in</strong>formation is organized for substitute teachers.<br />
• School staff must consult with the parent before post<strong>in</strong>g the child’s plan. It should be kept <strong>in</strong> areas<br />
which are accessible to staff, while respect<strong>in</strong>g the privacy of the child (e.g. office, staff room, lunch<br />
room or cafeteria). Older children are often more reluctant to have their plan posted <strong>in</strong> the classroom<br />
where it is visible to all.<br />
<strong>Anaphylaxis</strong> <strong>in</strong> <strong>Schools</strong> & Other Sett<strong>in</strong>gs<br />
Copyright © 2005-2014 Canadian Society of Allergy and Cl<strong>in</strong>ical Immunology 17