Description

Anaphylactic reactions are those severe allergy reactions that are life threatening and require immediate medical attention.

Anaphylactic reactions can be triggered by only a minute amount of an allergen ingested, inhaled or absorbed into the body and reactions can begin within seconds of exposure. The reaction may begin with itching, hives, vomiting, diarrhea, or swelling of the lips or face; within moments, the throat may begin to close, choking off breathing and leading to unconsciousness and death.

The treatment protocol must be prescribed by the student’s physician, but the plan of action usually calls for the administration of epinephrine immediately at the first indication of a reaction followed by immediate transportation to the hospital.

Procedures

1. It is the responsibility of the principal to request that parents of children with anaphylactic reactions provide written information that:

1. Identifies their children who have anaphylactic allergies;

2. Identifies the food or other allergens which trigger an anaphylactic reaction;

3. Describes the signs of their child’s anaphylactic reaction;

4. Provides a treatment protocol signed by the child’s physician; and

5. Permits the school to post/distribute necessary photographs and medical information of the child to assist in prevention and treatment of an anaphylactic reaction.

2. The Principal and staff shall establish and monitor procedures to prevent the identified anaphylactic allergens from entering the school and create procedures to treat anaphylactic students in the event of a reaction.

3. The Principal shall ensure that all staff members are made aware of which students have anaphylactic reactions, which allergens are likely to induce anaphylaxis and what procedures should be followed to monitor students with anaphylactic reactions and provide assistance in the event of an anaphylactic reaction. Training in the operation of an auto-injector such as the Epi-Pen must be provided to all staff.

4. The Principal shall regularly distribute to staff, students and parents information that is designed to increase their understanding of anaphylaxis issues; their awareness of problematic foods or other allergens; and their compliance with the school procedures in place to protect anaphylactic students.

5. The staff shall teach all students, in developmentally-appropriate ways, about anaphylaxis issues and school procedures.

6. The staff shall ensure that they learn about anaphylaxis issues and that they monitor and encourage all students to follow the school procedures in place to protect students with anaphylactic reactions.

7. Parents of students with anaphylactic reactions are encouraged to:

6. Identify their child’s allergies and needs to the school principal;

7. Ensure that their child has and wears a medical identification bracelet;

8. Provide the school with current written medical instructions from the child’s physician;

9. Provide the school with epinephrine auto-injectors (pre-expiry date);

10. Teach their child about their anaphylactic condition in developmentally appropriate ways; and

11. Provide support and information to the school and teachers as required.

8. Students with anaphylactic reactions are responsible for taking as much responsibility as they are developmentally able to avoid the risk of an anaphylactic reaction and manage their allergic condition.

9. All students are responsible for learning about anaphylactic issues and for following school rules and procedures.

BOARD APPROVED:

___________________,________

NEW POLICY _______

REPLACES POLICY _________

LEGAL REFERENCES:

Education Act, 1995

Canadian Pediatrics Society Position Statement (1994)

Canadian School Boards & Health Canada Anaphylaxis Handbook for School Boards (1996)