Administrative Procedure: 317
LIFE-THREATENING ALLERGIC REACTIONS
Background
The District is committed to the principle of providing a safe learning and teaching environment for its students. This includes a safe environment for all those who have been identified as having the potential for an anaphylaxis event.
Anaphylaxis is the term used to describe an acute, severe, life-threatening allergic reaction which requires immediate medical treatment. While it is impossible to create a risk-free environment, school staff and parent(s)/guardian(s) can take important steps to minimize potentially fatal anaphylactic reactions.
The Principal is responsible for creating and maintaining as safe and healthy an environment as is reasonably possible for students who may experience anaphylaxis, a severe life-threatening allergic reaction. The parent/guardian of the student is a partner in this process.
Procedures
1. The parent(s)/guardian(s) will inform the Principal of the student’s anaphylactic condition and complete the Request for Administration of Medication form (Form 316-2) if medication is required and the Anaphylactic Student Emergency Procedure Plan (Form 317-1).
2. The information must be reviewed annually and the forms updated when there are changes to medication or dosages of medication.
3. The student is to wear medical alert identification which identifies specific allergens.
4. The Epinephrine Auto Injector (EpiPen) and Anaphylactic Student Emergency Procedure Plan (Form 317-1) will be kept in the medical room and if necessary, in the student’s classroom in a locked cupboard.
4.1 If necessary, the student is to carry the Epinephrine Auto Injector (EpiPen) and the Anaphylactic Student Emergency Procedure Plan with him/her at all times.
4.2 If possible, the parent(s)/guardian(s) are to provide the school with an additional EpiPen which will be stored in a safe, accessible location.
4.2.1 This location will be made known to all staff.
5. The anaphylactic student’s parent(s)/guardian(s) must meet with the Principal prior to the student’s first day in a school or any time there is a change in the medical condition.
6. A meeting with the student’s teacher(s) will be arranged as soon as possible.
7. The public health nurse will be informed of the student’s condition.
8. Following discussion with the student with anaphylaxis and his/her parent(s)/guardian(s), other students and parents in the class may be given information of the student’s condition.
9. All District employees shall receive education about anaphylaxis.
9.1 Identified staff will receive training which will include instruction on the administration of the child-specific medical alert plan and may include training for use of the EpiPen.
9.2 The public health nurse will assist in the training of the appropriate staff.
10. It is vital that students with anaphylaxis be easily identified. The child-specific medical alert information must include a description of the allergy as well as the emergency treatment plan (Form 317-1).
10.1 In addition, medical alert information (with an up-to-date photograph of the student) will be posted at various locations such as the student’s classroom, medical room, staff lounge, and any room used on a regular basis by the student.
Reference: Sections 7, 17, 20, 22, 65, 84, 85, 95 School Act
School Regulation 265/89
Anaphylaxis Protection Order M232/07
Anaphylaxis: A Handbook for School Boards, Canadian School Boards Association