Anaphylaxis in Schools 3rd Edition

Training & Communication
Consensus Statement
Training
All individuals who have been prescribed an epinephrine auto-injector – and their parents and
caregivers – should know how to use it before an emergency arises. All individuals who are in regular
contact with children at risk of anaphylaxis should participate in training sessions. In the school
setting, they would include: school staff, nurses, foodservice staff, bus drivers, coaches, and so forth.
The principal or a delegate should keep a record of staff who have completed the training. Friends of
appropriate age and maturity, teenagers, and adults can also be trained to respond in an emergency
situation.
Standardized anaphylaxis training should be provided once a year at minimum, preferably around
the start of the school year. Ideally, a follow-up refresher training session should be given mid-year.
Training should include ways to reduce the risk of exposure, recognition of signs and symptoms
of anaphylaxis, when and how to give the epinephrine auto-injector, initiation of 9-1-1 response,
and transfer of care to paramedics, where available. It is beneficial for participants to role play an
emergency situation, similar to practicing a fire drill. This allows trainees to become familiar with the
emergency procedure for dealing with an anaphylactic reaction, identify areas of improvement, and
increase confidence in their ability to respond appropriately. It would also be a good opportunity for the
school to involve its nurses or local paramedics, where appropriate. Educational services and resources
are available through some public health units, allergy associations, paramedic associations, and
professional training services.
With proper training, people can successfully learn how to use an epinephrine auto-injector with
confidence. Auto-injector trainers or demonstrators are must-have teaching tools that allow for
hands-on learning. The auto-injector trainers look like the real devices but do not contain a needle or
medication. Studies have shown that individuals at risk of anaphylaxis, parents/guardians of allergic
children, caregivers, teachers, and even healthcare professionals often cannot correctly administer
the EpiPen ® . 20-26 Practicing with an auto-injector trainer allows people to become familiar with
the administration technique. EpiPen ® trainers are available from Pfizer Canada and some allergy
associations, and Allerject training devices are available from Sanofi Canada. (See Appendix A for
contact information.) Training with both auto-injectors is recommended for school staff.
Communication
Ongoing communication about the school anaphylaxis plan is essential in creating awareness and
support for students at risk. Some school principals distribute their school anaphylaxis plan to all families
at the beginning of the school year and reminders are often published in school bulletins and newsletters
throughout the year. Parents are often involved with their children in educating classmates about allergies
using age-appropriate books, videos and games. (See Appendix F for sample school letters.)
Anaphylaxis in Schools & Other Settings
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