Anaphylaxis Life-Threatening
Allergies
Procedures Manual 507-A
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First Adopted:
Revision History:
Next Review:
1.
Students
Appropriate Superintendent
December 2005
January 2013
January 2018
General
As we live in a world that is full of potential allergens, it is impossible to reduce
the risk of exposure to allergens to zero. With the cooperation and involvement of
the entire community, the Upper Grand District School Board strives to minimize
the risk of exposure and to ensure a rapid response to an emergency. Schools
are responsible for having a plan in place for students identified with a lifethreatening allergy.
1.1
January 2013
Every school shall develop and maintain a school anaphylactic
management plan that includes the following as outlined in Sabrina’s Law:
1.1.1
strategies that reduce the risk of exposure to anaphylactic
causative agents in classrooms and common school areas;
1.1.2
a communication plan for the dissemination of information on
life-threatening allergies to parents/guardians, pupils and
employees;
1.1.3
training should be provided at least once a year for staff and
others who are in direct contact with pupils, and as required for
new employees;
1.1.4
the development of an individual plan for each pupil who has an
anaphylactic allergy;
1.1.5
a requirement that upon registration or re-entry,
parents/guardians and pupils shall provide information on lifethreatening allergies; and
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1.1.6
1.2
a requirement that every school Principal maintain a file for each
anaphylactic pupil of current treatment and other information,
including information and instructions about prescriptions and
instructions from the pupil’s health care provider, and a current
emergency contact list.
These procedures have been reviewed within the context of Sabrina’s Law
(An Act to Protect Anaphylactic Students). Sabrina’s Law states that:
“If an employee has reason to believe that a pupil is experiencing an
anaphylactic reaction, the employee may administer an epinephrine autoinjector (EpiPen®) or other medication prescribed to the pupil for the
treatment of an anaphylactic reaction, even if there is no preauthorization
to do so under subsection (1) 2005,c.7,s3(3).
“No action for damages shall be instituted respecting any act done in
good faith or for any neglect or default in good faith in response to an
anaphylactic reaction in accordance with this Act, unless the damages
are the result of an employee’s gross negligence. 2005,c.7,s.3(4).”
2.
Definitions
2.1
Allergen
An allergen is a substance capable of causing an allergic reaction. Upon
first exposure, the immune system treats the allergen as something to be
rejected and not tolerated. This process is called sensitization. Reexposure to the same allergen in the now-sensitized individual may result
in an allergic reaction which, in its most severe form, is called anaphylaxis.
2.2
Anaphylaxis
Anaphylaxis (pronounced anna-fill-axis) is a serious allergic reaction that
is rapid in onset and may cause death.
2.3
Auto-Injector (EpiPen®)
The auto-injector (EpiPen®) (epinephrine auto-injector) is a disposable,
pre-filled automatic injection device which is designed to deliver a single
dose of epinephrine (adrenaline) to a person suffering from an
anaphylactic reaction. It can be self-injected or administered by an adult.
Early intervention is the key to survival. Without intervention, death
can occur within minutes.
Upper Grand District School Board staff will not administer the second
dose of the Twinject® epinephrine auto-injector (manual injection) in
January 2013
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compliance with Board Policy, Procedures and Handbook #509 – Health
Support Services) and its collective agreements as it is considered to be
an invasive procedure. However, a second EpiPen® may be
administered if the child’s situation does not change, or worsens within 10
– 15 minutes.
3.
Background
The Anaphylaxis Life-Threatening Allergies Handbook will be consulted when
reviewing current school plans and implementing strategies to help ensure the
safety of anaphylactic students in schools. The Board’s Policy and Procedures
regarding Anaphylaxis are designed to ensure compliance with Sabrina’s Law.
4.
The Role and Responsibilities of the Principal
Principals will:
4.1
Ensure that all staff and classroom volunteers are trained and aware of
what to do in the event of a life-threatening emergency, regardless of
whether there are anaphylactic students in the school or not.
4.2
In the development of the Life-Threatening Management and Prevention
Plan, take into account the age, maturity, and responsibility level of
anaphylactic students.
4.3
Ensure that parents/guardians of each student who has an anaphylactic
allergy:
4.3.1
provide information on the student’s life-threatening allergy at
the time of registration or re-entry;
4.3.2
provide appropriate medications; and
4.3.3
ensure that the information and medication is kept up-todate throughout the school year.
4.4
Strongly recommend that all anaphylactic students carry an auto-injector
(EpiPen®) with them at all times, (subject to a developmental capacity in
this regard).
4.5
Strongly recommend that parents provide at least one additional autoinjector (EpiPen®) to be stored in a readily accessible location in the
school.
January 2013
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4.6
Strongly recommend that students wear Medicalert® jewellery, and advise
parents of elementary students of the availability through the “No Child
Without®” program.
4.7
Forward a copy of all Life-Threatening Management and Prevention Plans
of any students with severe allergies, who are transported to and from
school on the bus, to Wellington-Dufferin Student Transportation Services.
For Field Trips, be sure to provide information to the bus driver of all LifeThreatening Management and Prevention Plans of any student with
severe allergies who will be on the trip.
4.8
Develop, review and revise, as necessary, school plans and strategies to
reduce the risk of exposure to anaphylactic causative agents in
classrooms and common school areas. (See Anaphylaxis – LifeThreatening Allergies Handbook which contains strategies for schools to
reduce the risk of accidental exposure to an allergen.)
4.9
Develop annually, and revise as circumstances change, each anaphylactic
student’s Life-Threatening Management and Prevention Plan to ensure
that these plans comply with this policy and legislation and include:
•
information on the type of life-threatening allergy
•
school monitoring and avoidance strategies
•
current treatment (medications)
•
an emergency action plan which is accessible in the school
•
instructions from the student’s health care provider
•
current emergency contacts
•
communication to parents and students so that they are aware of
parent and student responsibilities as outlined in the policy.
Principals should attach any additional information to the Life-Threatening
Management and Prevention Plan that is not included on the form.
4.10
January 2013
Ensure that a communications plan is in place to disseminate information
on life-threatening allergies to students, parents, employees and
volunteers a minimum of twice per school year.
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5.
4.11
Ensure that all employees and others who are in direct contact with pupils
on a regular basis are provided with appropriate information on each
anaphylactic student. This information will include identification of the
student, the type of allergy, monitoring and avoidance strategies in place,
and appropriate treatment procedures for an emergency, such as the
administration of an auto-injector (EpiPen®).
4.12
Communicate with the School Council regarding any issues/allergens in
the school and advise that there are plans in place which may have
implications for fundraising or other events in the school.
4.13
Communicate to the school community that bullying of students regarding
allergies will not be tolerated.
The Role and Responsibilities of the Classroom
Teacher/Occasional Teacher
The classroom teacher/occasional teacher has the responsibility to:
5.1
follow the Board’s Anaphylaxis Policy #507;
5.2
be aware of and follow the individual Life-Threatening Management and
Prevention Plan for each student in their classroom who has an
anaphylactic allergy;
5.3
follow the school’s communication plan for the dissemination of
information on life-threatening allergies to parents/guardians, students,
other staff members, and volunteers;
5.4
be aware that anaphylactic students are able to choose, without penalty,
not to participate in food preparation or consumption;
5.5
take precautions choosing classroom materials and planning
classroom activities/field trips/special events to minimize risks to
students;
5.6
participate in regular training on dealing with life-threatening allergies;
5.7
in conjunction with Principal and parents, determine when and how best to
provide anaphylaxis awareness sessions for a class, in age-appropriate
terms; and where appropriate
5.8
leave the Life-Threatening Management and Prevention Plan in a
prominent and accessible location for occasional teachers.
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6.
The Role and Responsibilities of Other School Personnel,
Support Staff and Volunteers
Other school personnel, support staff and volunteers will:
7.
6.1
participate in regular training on dealing with life-threatening allergies;
6.2
be aware of the school’s emergency action plan; and
6.3
know who to contact in case of an emergency.
The Role and Responsibilities of Parents/Guardians of
Anaphylactic Students
Parents /guardians have the responsibility to:
7.1
inform the school Principal and Teacher(s) of their child’s life-threatening
allergies;
7.2
meet with the Principal or Vice-Principal to establish the Life-Threatening
Management and Prevention Plan;
7.3
assist with the development of the individual Life-Threatening
Management and Prevention Plan;
7.4
review the Life-Threatening Management and Prevention Plan annually,
and immediately when circumstances change;
7.5
ensure emergency contact numbers are current;
7.6
provide the school with the student’s health care provider’s written
instructions for the child’s care including administration of medication;
7.7
if possible, provide the school with two up-to-date auto-injectors
(EpiPens®) and a safe means for transporting the auto-injector (EpiPen®)
with/on the student;
7.8
ensure all medications provided to the school are kept up to date;
7.9
if possible, provide their child with Medicalert® jewellery (See No Child
Without® program for elementary students);
7.10
consider participating in field trips;
7.11
provide safe foods for special occasions for their child if required; and
January 2013
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7.12
8.
teach their child (contingent on the student’s physical and developmental
capabilities) to:
•
recognize the first symptoms of an anaphylactic reaction;
•
know where his/her medication is kept, and who can get it;
•
communicate clearly when he/she feels a reaction starting;
•
carry his/her own auto-injector (EpiPen®) and understand its purpose;
•
use the auto-injector (EpiPen®), if capable of self-administration;
•
eat only foods brought from home, until he/she is capable of checking
labels and monitoring intake;
•
understand the importance of hand washing;
•
recognize and understand their allergy; and
•
take as much responsibility as possible for his/her own safety and wellbeing.
The Role and Responsibilities of the Anaphylactic Student
The anaphylactic student has the responsibility to (subject to a developmental
capacity in this regard):
8.1
Carry an auto-injector (EpiPen®) at all times.
8.2
Ensure that teachers, principals and friends know where to find the autoinjector (EpiPen®) that they carry with them, in the event they are unable
to self-administer the injection.
8.3
Know how to use an auto-injector (EpiPen®) if capable of selfadministration (Note: Due to rapid reaction rate, students may be unable
to notify an adult and/or self-administer the auto-injector (EpiPen®).
8.4
Wear Medicalert® jewellery (or equivalent).
8.5
Follow expectations of health care provider, parent/guardian and any
Allergy Care Plan provided.
8.6
Self-identify as anaphylactic to occasional personnel associated with the
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school (i.e., occasional teachers, educational assistants, co-op student,
parent volunteer, or board-approved transportation driver, etc.) as
appropriate.
8.7
Promptly inform an adult as soon as an accidental exposure occurs or
symptoms appear.
Anaphylactic students are able to choose without penalty not to participate in
food activities that could result in exposure to allergens such as recycling
programs or sharing food, drinks, utensils and containers with other students.
9.
The Role and Responsibilities of the School Council
School Council has a responsibility to be aware of and comply with this policy to
ensure the safety of all children, and consider implications for fundraising or other
events in the school.
10.
The Role and Responsibilities of the Public Health Nurse
The Public Health Nurse provides consultation to school administration and staff
regarding the school’s Anaphylactic Management Plan.
11.
The Role and Responsibilities of the Transportation Consortium
Follow procedures as outlined in Service de transport Wellington-Dufferin
Student Transportation Services (STWDSTS) Policy # 021 EpiPen® Emergency
Procedures.
January 2013
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