Even with precautions in place, an anaphylactic student may come into contact with an allergen while at school. Therefore, the District has developed this generalized emergency response plan. Additionally, a separate emergency health care plan must be in place for each anaphylactic child, developed by the child’s parents and physician, and kept in the child’s classrooms and the nurse’s office.
Anaphylactic children, even of secondary school age, may or may not know when a reaction is taking place. School personnel are encouraged to listen to the child. If a child complains of any symptoms that could signal the onset of a reaction, staff must implement this emergency response plan. There is no danger in reacting too quickly and grave danger in reacting too slowly.
1.Emergency Proposal Plan:
Upon an allergic reaction a trained person will:
a. Administer the Epi-pen (Note: One should never assume that children will self-inject. Individuals of any age may require help during a reaction because of the rapid progression of symptoms or because of the stress of the situation.)
b. Telephone 911 – inform the emergency operator that a child is having an anaphylactic reaction.
c. Contact the school nurse.
d. Telephone the parents of the child.
e. If no ambulance service is available, transport the child to the hospital at once with at least one adult in addition to the driver.
f. If on a field trip and no ambulance is available, student can be transported by car or bus with a staff member.
g. Telephone the hospital to inform them that a child is having an anaphylactic reaction and is en route.
h. Re-administer epinephrine per doctor’s orders and per the child emergency health care plan while waiting for the ambulance and en route to the hospital if symptoms do not improve or reoccur.
2. Location of Epinephrine Epi-pen:
a. Epi-pens will be kept in the Health Office in a covered and secure area, but unlocked for quick access, Although epinephrine is not a dangerous drug, it can cause injury if it is injected into a fingertip, major blood vessel, or nerve.
b. Students may carry their own Epi-pens with physician’s orders and parent permission.
3. Crisis Response Team Simulation:
a. The Crisis Response Team may simulate an anaphylactic emergency to ensure that all elements of this emergency response plan are in place.
b. Administer the Epi-pen as per doctor’s orders and per emergency response protocol.
c. Follow board-approved communication procedure to secure help.
d. Help that student remain calm.
e. Monitor the student and await the arrival of emergency help.
4. Review Process:
In the event of an emergency response, an immediate evaluation of the procedure should be undertaken, and any Epi-pens used must be replaced immediately.
Adopted: January 23, 2006