RATIONALE / 1
Definition / 1
AIM / 1
Introduction / 3
Role & Responsibility of the Parents/carers / 3
Role & Responsibility of the Pakenham Consolidated School / 3
Policy Rationale - Individual Management Plan (Clause 7) / 6
Policy / 6
Implementation Strategies/Procedures / 7
Action Plan - Defined / 9
Medicine Bags – Auto Adrenaline Injectors/Allergy Medicine / 10
School Epipen / 10
Policy - Communication Plan (Clause 8) / 11
Implementation Strategies/Procedures / 11
Evaluation / 15
Policy Rationale -Staff Training & Emergency Response (Clause 9) / 16
Implementation Strategies/Procedures – Staff Training / 16
Implementation Strategies/Procedures – Emergency Response / 20
Redundancy Plan – To Receive Urgent Assistance / 25
Policy Review / 25
Appendix 1 – Risk Minimisation Universal Strategies / Safeguards Checklist – Food Allergies / 26
Appendix 2 – Epipen / 27
Appendix 3 – Anapen / 27
Appendix 4 – Red Help Tag / 27
RATIONALE:
Anaphylaxis is a severe, rapidly progressive allergic reaction that is potentially life threatening. The most common allergens in school aged children are peanuts, eggs, tree nuts (e.g. cashews, walnuts), cow’s milk, fish and shellfish, wheat, soy, sesame, latex, certain insect toxins (i.e. bee, wasp stings) and medication.
Definition
Student at risk of Anaphylaxis in this policy relates to:
Ø Students currently known to Pakenham Consolidated School (PCS) to have a prescribed EPIPEN OR/& ANAPEN ™ for their potentially life threatening allergic reaction.
Ø Students known to PCS to have had a prescribed EPIPEN OR/& ANAPEN ™ in the past, for their potentially life threatening allergic reaction, but do NOT currently have a prescribed EPIPEN OR/& ANAPEN.
Ø Students known to PCS to have had a moderate to severe (Life Threatening) allergic reaction requiring hospitalisation as an inpatient but do NOT have a prescribed EPIPEN OR/& ANAPEN ™.
In addition, these guidelines will be used to manage a student unknown to be at risk of a potentially life threatening allergic reaction; who has been sensitised to an allergen(s) for which they may be at risk of having a potentially life threatening allergic reaction for the first time, while in the care of PCS.
AIM:
Learning Environment
To provide, as far as practicable, a safe and supportive environment in which students at risk of anaphylaxis can participate equally in all aspects of their schooling.
Consultation
To engage with parents/carers of students at risk of anaphylaxis in assessing and developing risk minimisation and management strategies in partnership with PCS Staff, after consultation and written validation of the child’s severe allergies from the child’s registered Medical Officer.
Awareness
To raise community awareness of PCS anaphylaxis management policy.
Staff Education
To raise awareness, deliver knowledge and acquire practical skills in educating PCS Staff about allergies, anaphylaxis and procedures in responding to an anaphylactic reaction.
Community Engagement
To continuously consult and communicate with the Education Department, professional bodies, support organisations, health care professionals, PCS Staff, Parent/Carers, students at risk of anaphylaxis to engage a partnership approach to the Anaphylaxis Policy to reflect best current management practises.
IMPLEMENTATION:
KEY ROLES AND REPSONIBILITIES OF EACH STAKEHOLDER
Role & Responsibility of the Parent/Carers – Checklist
Enrolment/At Diagnosis
· To inform Pakenham Consolidated School (PCS) at enrolment or diagnosis of the student’s allergies, trigger factors and risk of anaphylaxis.
· To provide PCS with the relevant written Australasian Society of Clinical Immunologist & Allergy Incorporated (ASCIA) Action plan that is validated and signed by the child’s registered Medical Officer for a life threatening Allergic (Anaphylaxis) reaction or non life threatening Allergic reactions
· To supply PCS with at least one, but preferably two prescribed Epipen or/and Anapens for use by their child should the need arise, while in the care of PCS.
· To supply PCS any other prescribed medication for use by their child during an allergic or anaphylactic episode.
· To ensure a child diagnosed as at risk of anaphylaxis by a registered Medical Officer and prescribed an Epipen or/& Anapen does not attend PCS without their prescribed Epipen or/and Anapen and prescribed other medication.
· To meet with school representatives to exchange information and develop an individual Anaphylaxis Management plan including minimisation strategies after parental consultation with the child’s Medical Practitioner.
· To provide PCS with a current, colour photograph of their child each year and/or to consent to PCS taking a digital photograph of their child for the purpose of attaching to the Anaphylaxis Management plan and associated documents, when required.
Camps/Excursions/Incursions/Special Events
· To supply additional prescribed Epipen or/& Anapens for excursions to remote locations/camps or if deemed necessary through a risk assessment analysis undertaken by PCS.
· To assist PCS staff in planning and preparations for the student attending an event (i.e. school camps, excursions, incursions, or special events (i.e. class parties, sport days, etc.)), prior to the date of that event.
· The Parent/Carer should accompany their child at an excursion or camp should it be deemed necessary through a risk assessment analysis undertaken by PCS and requested by PCS.
General/Reviews
· To supply alternative, safe, healthy food options for their child with a food allergy to consume as an alternative to supplied food.
· To re-supply prescribed Epipens or/and Anapens and medication prior to the medication’s best before date or expiry date.
· To keep PCS informed about any health concerns or medical advice pertaining to their child’s condition, which may evolve from time to time.
· To participate in reviews of their child’s anaphylaxis management plan annually or if a change in diagnosis occurs or if an anaphylactic reaction occurs at school or elsewhere.
· To keep PCS informed of the student’s current parental/carers contact details and emergency contact details.
Role & Responsibility of Pakenham Consolidated School - Checklist
General
· To conduct a risk assessment of potential common allergen sources that may lead to accidental exposure of identified allergens within the classroom setting.
· To minimise the risk of exposure from these common allergen sources as far as practicable and foreseeable within the classroom setting.
· To meet with parents/guardians to develop an individualised anaphylaxis management plan for students identified at risk of anaphylaxis by their Medical Officer. The plan will document foreseeable, preventive practical strategies to minimise exposure to identified allergens while in the care of PCS.
First Aid Coordinator
· To support staff in identifying best current practises in developing minimisation strategies and emergency response action plans to an anaphylactic incident.
· To support Staff in adopting universal, foreseeable, risk minimisation strategies across all areas of PCS.
· To provide staff with training in recognising and responding to an anaphylactic incident and the administering of an Epipen or/and Anapen.
· To develop a communication plan to raise awareness about severe allergies and the school’s Anaphylaxis Management Policy
· To provide information about students identified as at risk of a potential anaphylaxis reaction to all staff.
Staff
· To gain recognised qualifications in competency based anaphylaxis training and keep qualifications current.
· To seek opportunities to practise using an Epipen or/and Anapen through formal and informal training.
· To be aware and recognise the identity of students at risk of anaphylaxis.
· To eliminate or take steps to minimise the exposure of trigger allergens that are reasonably foreseeable in their learning environment (i.e. classroom, play group, activity, excursion, etc.) to students at risk of anaphylaxis in their care.
· To seek appropriate anaphylaxis training and maintenance of appropriate skills through formal and informal training opportunities, annually.
· To enact agreed practical and realistic class room strategies developed in consultation with all stake holders to minimise an exposure to known allergens.
· To enact agreed practical management strategies to ensure the child’s Epipen or/and Anapen is accessible, should the need arise.
· To respond to an Anaphylaxis episode using appropriate PCS emergency protocols
· To practise responding to simulated anaphylaxis events.
· To brief CRT’s or new staff members team teaching in an adjacent classroom about children at risk of anaphylaxis in their care and those in your care, including the location of their Epipen or/and Anapen or other medication and relevant protocols.
· To be proactive in assessing risk in relation to potential and foreseeable allergens in an educational setting or environment.
Casual Relief Staff (CRT)
· To employ, hire, engage CRT Staff with current qualifications and training in Anaphylaxis Management and First Aid.
· To ensure procedures are in place to inform casual relief staff of students at risk of anaphylaxis.
· CRT staff to be aware of children at risk of anaphylaxis through their induction briefing at the commencement of the day or through supplied notes issued with PCS general guidelines.
· CRT Staff will liaise with the relevant Team teacher as often as is appropriate.
· Regular CRT will participate in a PCS induction session or update.
· CRT Staff will ensure they are competent in administering an Epipen or/& Anapen and have current, Anaphylaxis Management Training and First Aid Training.
· CRT Staff will be invited to participate in formal and informal anaphylaxis training opportunities held at PCS.
Canteen Contractor
· To ensure external canteen provider can demonstrate satisfactory training in the area of anaphylaxis and its implication on food handling in their contract and contract renewals.
Policy Reviews
· To provide the opportunity for all stakeholders to have input in the review of PCS Anaphylaxis Management Policy when reviewed or updated.
Individual Anaphylaxis Management Plans
Rationale
Focussing on the child’s allergens enables all stakeholders to take a proactive and reasonable approach in developing and implementing foreseeable risk minimisation strategies to provide a safer environment for this individual.
Policy
An Individual Anaphylaxis Management Plan is developed for any student whom is at risk of anaphylaxis and prescribed with an Epipen or/and Anapen. This plan is developed after PCS receives a validated ASCIA plan signed by the child’s Medical Practitioner.
While the Individual Anaphylaxis Management plan is a partnership approach that all stake holders contribute their expertise and perspective to ensure the following are included and assigned to a relevant person:
· Allergen type likely to cause a severe allergic reaction [diagnosed by the child’s Medical Practitioner]
· Universal strategies developed in partnership with all stakeholders to minimise the risk of exposure to potential allergens while in the care of Pakenham Consolidated School. [Meeting with key stakeholders (i.e. parents/guardians, PCS staff) to formalise selected universal strategies.]
· Implementation of universal strategies [Allocate responsible person to implement action (i.e. parent/carers, student, PCS staff)]
· Information on where the student’s medication will be stored [Re-iterates storage location to PCS Staff]
· Current student emergency contact details [Re-iterates parents/carers Emergency Contact Details]
· Emergency procedures in ASCIA action plan provided by parent/carer, that:
o Sets out emergency procedures in the event of an allergic reaction
o Signed by the supervising Medical Practitioner
o Current photograph of student
Implementation of the Individual anaphylaxis management plan is initiated by the child’s class teacher and First Aid Coordinator.
All individual anaphylaxis management plans are reviewed in consultation with all relevant stakeholders:
· Annually (Every 12 months or beginning of school year)
· When the student’s medical condition changes or
· Immediately after a student has an anaphylactic reaction at school or elsewhere.
Implementation Procedures
When / How / What / WhoPre School Child for Foundation Enrolment in following year. / Receive indication of Allergic or Anaphylaxis medical condition on Student Enrolment form.
Receive briefing from parents/carers or Foundation Transition Coordinator on child’s Allergic Status.
Follow up with parents/carers child’s Allergic Status and provide relevant ASCIA forms for completion by Child’s registered Medical Officer.
Brief and update class Teacher in late Term 4 when classes for the new year have been assigned.
Arrange a meeting to discuss an Individual Anaphylaxis Management Plan with parents/guardians,
class teacher, Team Leader and First Aid Coordinator for late in Term 4 or prior to school commencement, where possible. / Student enrolment form with relevant medical disclosures.
Seek an overview of the contents of the ASCIA Action Plan signed by the child’s registered medical officer.
Produce an individualised Anaphylaxis Management Plan / Parents/carers
First Aid Coordinator
First Aid Coordinator
First Aid Coordinator
First Aid Coordinator
Team Leader
Class Teacher
Parents/carers
Student
Child enrolment during the current year. / Receive indication of allergic or anaphylaxis medical condition on Student Enrolment form.
Receive briefing from parents/carers or Foundation Transition Coordinator on child’s allergic status.
Follow up with parents/carers child’s allergic status and provide relevant ASCIA forms for completion by child’s registered Medical Officer.
Brief and update class teacher.
Arrange a meeting to discuss an Individual Anaphylaxis Management Plan with parents/guardians,
class teacher, Team Leader and First Aid Coordinator for late in term four or prior to school commencement, where possible. / Student enrolment form with relevant medical disclosures.
Seek an overview of the contents of the ASCIA Action Plan signed by the child’s registered medical officer.
Produce an individualised Anaphylaxis Management Plan / Parents/carers
First Aid Coordinator
First Aid Coordinator
First Aid Coordinator
First Aid Coordinator
Team Leader
Class Teacher
Parents/carers
Student
Notification of PCS enrolled Child at risk of Anaphylaxis at Diagnosis / Receive medical disclosure of an Allergic or Anaphylaxis medical condition through parental notes or teacher – parent interaction or Doctor’s notes.
Receive briefing from parents/carers or class teacher on child’s Allergic Status.
Follow up with parents/carers child’s allergic status and provide relevant ASCIA forms for completion by child’s registered Medical Officer.
Brief and update class teacher.
Arrange a meeting to discuss an Individual Anaphylaxis Management Plan with parents/carers,
class teacher, Team Leader and First Aid Coordinator. / Relevant medical disclosures through verbal or written communication.
Seek an overview of the contents of the ASCIA Action Plan signed by the child’s registered medical officer.
Produce an individualised Anaphylaxis Management Plan / Parents/carers
Class Teacher
First Aid Coordinator
First Aid Coordinator
First Aid Coordinator
First Aid Coordinator
Team Leader
Class Teacher
Parents/carers
Student
Review after notification of Anaphylaxis reaction external to school. / Receive information about the allergic or anaphylaxis reaction through parental notes or teacher – parent interaction or doctor’s notes.
Follow up with parents/carers or class teacher on child’s well being and allergic status.
Review child’s ASCIA forms and provide for update by child’s registered Medical Officer.
Brief and update Class Teacher.
Re-convene a meeting to review the child’s Individual Anaphylaxis Management Plan with parents/carers,
class teacher, Team Leader and First Aid Coordinator. / Relevant medical disclosures through verbal or written communication.
Update student’s allergen triggers and severity of allergic reaction.
Seek an overview of the contents of the ASCIA Action Plan signed by the child’s registered medical officer.
Produce a reviewed individualised Anaphylaxis Management Plan / Parents/carers
Class Teacher
First Aid Coordinator
First Aid Coordinator
First Aid Coordinator
First Aid Coordinator
Team Leader
Class Teacher
Parents/carers
Student
Review after Anaphylaxis reaction while in the care of PCS. / Review PCS response associated with the anaphylaxis incident.
Support the student and their family through verbal communication and support.
Follow up with parents/carers or class teacher on child’s well being and allergic status.
Review child’s ASCIA forms and provide for update by child’s registered Medical Officer.
Re-convene a meeting to review the child’s Individual Anaphylaxis Management Plan with parents/carers,
class teacher, Team Leader and First Aid Coordinator. / Discuss with eye witnesses and Staff involved in incident. Medical Reports.
Receive updates on child’s hospitalisation.
Update student’s allergen triggers and severity of allergic reaction.
Seek an overview of the contents of the ASCIA Action Plan signed by the child’s registered medical officer.
Produce a reviewed individualised Anaphylaxis Management Plan / Involved Staff
Class Teacher
First Aid Coordinator
WHS Representative
Class teacher
Assistant Principal
First Aid Coordinator
First Aid Coordinator
First Aid Coordinator
First Aid Coordinator
Team Leader
Class Teacher
Parents/carers
Assistant Principal
Student
Action Plan – Defined