Back to School Health Information for staff Featuring information on Life- threatening allergies, Epi-pen review, Blood borne Pathogens, and more… 2016-2017

Health and Wellness Policy Recommends activities in the classroom to not incorporate food. Suggests that any food be essential to the learning of the concept. Staff bring food to the school nurse so he/she can check for allergies prior to allowing food in the classroom. Food should not be the focus of a classroom celebration.

How can you always best ensure your health and wellness and the health and wellness of others?

Hand Washing!!!

Allergies

The best way to protect all students with Life-threatening food allergies is to have our School be a peanut/tree nut-free environment. True False

B. False The term ‘nut FREE’ leads to a false sense of security Hidden allergens, cross contamination and indirect exposures are always possible We are an ‘Allergy-Safe’ School District In certain instances…allergy safe classrooms are established. Questions? See your school nurse Talking point: ‘nut free’ vs ‘nut aware’

Students with life-threatening allergies are required to sit at A peanut/nut safe table in the cafeteria. True False

B. False It is the parent/guardian’s decision in consultation with the school nurse. Anyone can sit at this designated table with a peanut/nut safe lunch. Lunch monitors beware! Cafeteria staff are required to clean the designated table (if decision is made). Talking point: IHCP’s

What are the most common causes of food allergies? Peanuts Tree Nuts Eggs Milk All of the above

E. All of the above Also…. soy wheat, shellfish fish

Symptoms of an allergic reaction may include: Itching +/or hives Abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea Swelling of the face, tongue or throat Difficulty breathing, wheezing Loss of consciousness All of the above

F. All of the above

Treatment for an allergic reaction is… Administer Benadryl Administer an inhaler for difficulty breathing Watch and see if the symptoms get worse Always administer an epipen first

D. Always Administer an Epi-Pen First! Benadryl is used to treat a skin reaction only. An antihistamine will not stop an anaphylactic reaction~as a teacher you are not allowed to administer benadryl State law allows the delegation of epipens Inhalers should only be administered after an epipen. The respiratory symptoms are most likely caused by the anaphylactic reaction and not by asthma. An epipen is the treatment for a severe allergic reaction. Talking point: inhalers on field trips

An epipen contains epinephrine which is the same chemically as the hormone that our adrenal glands produce in response to stress. It increases the heart rate and blood pressure, and prepares the body for trouble. The administration of an epipen to someone that is not having an anaphylactic reaction will not hurt them. Not administering an epipen to someone who is having an anaphylactic reaction can result in death. When in doubt…ADMINISTER THE EPI- PEN!

You have just administered an epi-pen to a student on a field trip, the next thing that you should do is…. Notify the parents Call 911 Call the school Notify the principal

B. Call 911 The onset of epinephrine is immediate However, one dose lasts 20-30 minutes Transportation to the nearest hospital is essential 20% of all reactions can reoccur….the initial symptoms are followed by a delayed wave of symptoms usually within 1-8 hours but can be extended to 72 hours.

FYI Epi-pens are: Available in 2 doses Epi-pen Junior for children weighing 33-66 lbs, Epi-pen for those over 66 lbs. Always easily accessible in the health office Easy to administer…in the thigh and then count to 10 Okay to administer through clothing

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS Recess bags/Classroom first aid kits Walkie-talkies Field trip: students with life-threatening allergies (FOOD or BEE-STING) must be placed in a group with a medication delegated staff member. Classrooms: consider a designated allergy safe area to limit possible contamination. Encourage students to wash hands Understand that the symptoms of an allergic reaction and the administration of an epipen for food allergies are also the same for a person with a bee sting allergy. Talking point: decide who is responsible for cleaning the designated allergy aware area.

For further information In order to be checked off by your school nurse in epi pen administration you need to: Complete the online epi pen training Demonstrate the proper technique for epi pen administration in the presence of your school nurse This must be done yearly.

Blood Borne Pathogens/Universal Precautions

Which of the following are examples of blood borne pathogens? Hepatitis B Hepatitis C HIV All of the above

D. All of the Above

Which of the following statements about blood borne pathogens is true? They are not a concern for teachers. They are transmitted through blood and body fluids of an infected person. They can be transmitted by shaking hands with an infected person.

B. They are transmitted through blood and body fluids from an infected person.

The best way to protect myself from exposure to blood borne pathogens is To consider all persons to be potentially infectious and take precautions. Receive the Hepatitis B vaccination series Wear gloves when coming into contact with blood or body fluids. All of the above.

D. All of the above You cannot tell by looking at a person whether they are infected or not. Use Universal Precautions. Treat everyone as if they may be infected. Use gloves when handling blood or body fluids.

You notice blood on the floor in the hallway. You should… Grab a paper towel and clean it up. Instruct a student to clean it up. Put on gloves, grab a bottle of 409 or Fantastic and clean it up. Call the custodian.

D. Call the Custodian

A staff member comes into contact with a body fluid…. Ignore it because kids don’t carry blood borne pathogens. Report any contact to your school nurse. Talking point: wash hands

B. Report any contact to your school nurse Anyone may be carrying blood borne pathogens Universal precautions reminder: hand washing is always the first line of defense. The school nurse will advise further medical follow up if needed.

For more information on Blood Borne Pathogens please refer to the educational program on the District’s Health Webpage. Also check with your school nurse for answers to any questions you may have.

Additional reminders: AEDs Location Posting of CPR trained staff Field trips Individual epipen review

Congratulations! You have completed the Back to School Health Basics! You have reviewed Allergies Epipens Blood borne Pathogens Universal Precautions Staff and Student Health

Thank you! Thank you for taking the time to participate in this back to school health lesson!! We are looking forward to a great school year!! Any questions: