Anaphylaxis in Schools 3rd Edition
Anaphylaxis in Schools 3rd Edition
Anaphylaxis in Schools 3rd Edition
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Appendix C<br />
The management of allergens <strong>in</strong> high school is a balanc<strong>in</strong>g act between safety and a normal social<br />
life. <strong>Schools</strong> can help reduce risks by hav<strong>in</strong>g fewer allergens <strong>in</strong> vend<strong>in</strong>g mach<strong>in</strong>es, plac<strong>in</strong>g vend<strong>in</strong>g<br />
mach<strong>in</strong>es <strong>in</strong> a central area, encourag<strong>in</strong>g eat<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> the cafeteria <strong>in</strong>stead of halls and classrooms, and<br />
so forth. These measures can reduce the risk of accidental exposure without impos<strong>in</strong>g unenforceable<br />
or unrealistic rules on the rest of the student body. Students at risk must carry their ep<strong>in</strong>ephr<strong>in</strong>e auto<strong>in</strong>jector<br />
and asthma <strong>in</strong>haler (if relevant) and must be encouraged to be responsible for manag<strong>in</strong>g<br />
their condition.<br />
Sample School <strong>Anaphylaxis</strong> Plan (elementary)<br />
Overview<br />
In our school, we have several children who are at risk for potentially life-threaten<strong>in</strong>g allergies. Some<br />
children are at risk for <strong>in</strong>sect st<strong>in</strong>g allergy, while most are allergic to food. Food-allergic <strong>in</strong>dividuals<br />
can experience a life-threaten<strong>in</strong>g reaction from <strong>in</strong>gest<strong>in</strong>g a very small amount of their allergen.<br />
Exposure through sk<strong>in</strong> contact or <strong>in</strong>halation can cause allergic reactions, but generally not anaphylaxis.<br />
<strong>Anaphylaxis</strong> (pronounced anna-fill-axis) is a severe allergic reaction that can be caused by foods,<br />
<strong>in</strong>sect st<strong>in</strong>gs, medications, latex or other substances. While anaphylaxis can lead to death if untreated,<br />
anaphylactic reactions and fatalities can be avoided. Education and awareness are key to keep<strong>in</strong>g<br />
students with potentially life-threaten<strong>in</strong>g allergies safe.<br />
Our school anaphylaxis plan is designed to ensure that children at risk are identified, strategies are<br />
<strong>in</strong> place to m<strong>in</strong>imize the potential for accidental exposure, and staff and key volunteers are tra<strong>in</strong>ed to<br />
respond <strong>in</strong> an emergency situation.<br />
Identification of Children at Risk<br />
At the time of registration, parents are asked about medical conditions, <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g whether children are<br />
at risk of anaphylaxis and asthma. All staff must be aware of these children.<br />
It is the responsibility of the parent to:<br />
• Inform the school pr<strong>in</strong>cipal of their child’s allergy (and asthma).<br />
• In a timely manner, complete medical forms and the <strong>Anaphylaxis</strong> Emergency Plan which <strong>in</strong>cludes<br />
a photograph, description of the child’s allergy, emergency procedure, contact <strong>in</strong>formation, and<br />
consent to adm<strong>in</strong>ister medication. The <strong>Anaphylaxis</strong> Emergency Plan should be posted <strong>in</strong> key areas<br />
such as <strong>in</strong> the child’s classroom (posted on the wall or <strong>in</strong>side a cupboard door), the office (bullet<strong>in</strong><br />
board), the teacher’s daybook, and school cafeterias (<strong>in</strong>side the food preparation area). Parental<br />
permission is required to post the child’s plan.<br />
• Advise the school if their child has outgrown an allergy or no longer requires an ep<strong>in</strong>ephr<strong>in</strong>e auto<strong>in</strong>jector.<br />
(A letter from the child’s allergist or primary healthcare provider is required.)<br />
28<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