The Sumner School District Health Services Department drafted and implemented a protocol for supporting students with life-threatening allergies two years ago. In March 2008 Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) released guidelines and protocols specific to food allergies. The District protocol has been revised to incorporate provisions recommended by OSPI.
Purpose
- To educate the Sumner School District staff in order to minimize the likelihood of an
allergic reaction and to promptly respond should a reaction occur.
- To provide guidelines for school personnel to appropriately care for children who have
allergies with the potential for anaphylaxis.
Goals
- To be fully aware of each child’s special allergy-related needs
- To communicate effectively with all concerned parents
- To avoid any allergy reaction situations
- To provide the best prevention, response and care possible for each allergic child
- To respond appropriately to any allergy emergencies that arise
Beliefs
- Every staff member has a responsibility to care for each student
- Every student will have his/her needs appropriately addressed
- Every parent has the right to regular, professional communication with staff members,
especially his/her child’s teacher
Background
Allergic reactions can span a wide range of symptoms. The most severe and potentially life-threatening reaction is anaphylaxis. This protocol is to be used for students who are at risk for
anaphylaxis and in circumstances where a previously undiagnosed life-threatening allergic
response occurs.
Anaphylaxis is a potentially life-threatening medical condition occurring in allergic individuals
after exposure to their specific allergens. Anaphylaxis refers to a collection of symptoms
affecting multiple systems in the body, the most dangerous of which are breathing difficulties
and a drop in blood pressure or shock, which are potentially fatal. The most common causes of
anaphylaxis in children include allergies to:
- Foods (most commonly peanuts, tree nuts, milk, dairy products, soy, wheat, fish and
shellfish)
- Insect stings (yellow jackets, bees, wasps, hornets)
- Medications
- Latex
Anaphylaxis can occur immediately or up to two hours following allergen exposure so it is important to:
- Identify students at risk
- Have appropriate preventative policies
- Be prepared to handle an emergency
Procedure
Any student diagnosed with a life-threatening allergy must have an Anaphylaxis Plan. This plan
may also be the 504 plan. The plans must be completed prior to the student attending school.
The Anaphylaxis Plan is distributed to school staff having contact with the student. The school nurse
organizes and trains school staff regarding their responsibilities and care under the guidance of
the written care plan.
Prior to the beginning of every year, the school nurse should review the health history forms
submitted by parents and obtain any additional information necessary regarding life-threatening
allergies. The school nurse may request written permission from the parents to communicate
with the student’s provider. Parent/Guardian must supply the medication ordered by the provider.
If the parents do not provide the appropriate information needed to complete the care plans and
orders, the school district may exclude students from school as required in RCW 28A.210.320.
To ensure a safe learning environment for the student with a life-threatening allergy, the parents
and student should develop, along with the school nurse, a care plan to meet the particular needs
of the student.
The Anaphylaxis Plan is distributed to all appropriate school staff trained to respond to a student’s
anaphylactic emergency. The Anaphylaxis Plan is particular to each student and should have a current
picture of the student, if available, on the plan to aid in identification if available. |
