1 Anaphylaxis training course Providing up-to-date information about managing severe allergies in schools

2 Contents Allergic reaction or anaphylaxis Common causes Symptoms of allergic reactions and anaphylaxis Treatment – auto injectors Principles of good management Allergen avoidance What to do in an allergic reaction Aftercare Responsibilities Further information Practical session with training auto injectors

3 Anaphylaxis Severe life-threatening allergic reaction Anaphylaxis involves respiratory difficulties (swelling of the airways) and/or hypotension (fainting, collapse, unconsciousness) Whole body is usually affected within minutes of exposure to the allergen

4 Common causes Peanut Tree Nuts Milk Egg Sesame seed Fish and shellfish Kiwi Latex Insect Stings Medicines

5 Symptoms Swelling of the mouth or throat Difficulty swallowing or speaking Alterations in the heart rate Hives anywhere on the body Abdominal cramps and nausea Sudden feeling of weakness Difficulty breathing Collapse and unconsciousness

6 Rash and swelling

7 Treatment – auto injector devices Adrenaline (Epinephrine) is the mainstay of treatment via pre-filled auto injectors EpiPen – child dose suitable for children who weigh up to 30kg Anapen – child dose suitable for children kg Adult dose over 30kg Antihistamines and asthma inhalers helpful for mild or slow onset of allergic reactions

8 Principles of good management Allergy avoidance Early recognition of symptoms Crisis management

9 Allergy avoidance Know your children and their allergies – plan ahead Be aware of cross-contamination Check the materials you are using are suitable for use by all allergic children

10 Crisis management – what to do in an allergic reaction As the child becomes unwell Stay calm Call for help – emergency kit, 999, parents Assess reaction Correct positioning according to symptoms Prepare injection Administer correctly and safely Note the time Monitor until ambulance crew arrive If condition not improving after 5 minutes and ambulance not arrived, prepare to give 2 nd injection (if available) MUST go to hospital – risk of bi-phasic reaction

11 Aftercare Safe disposal of auto injector Written report – RIDDOR and LCC Debriefing Further guidance or training?

12 Responsibilities School are responsible for obtaining written consent and ensuring each child has an individual protocol/management plan School responsibility to ensure medication is stored appropriately and is easily accessible Schools responsibility to ensure all staff aware of pupils with medical needs and appropriate training is provided Parents are responsible for ensuring school has correct and up-to- date information on their child Parents responsibility to ensure medication is available and in date Pupils responsibility (depending on age) to be proactive in own care and management of condition LEA indemnity insurance REMEMBER all children are different and some will need more specific advice

13 Further information? Contact the Anaphylaxis Campaign Tel AllergyWise online anaphylaxis training Action for Anaphylaxis (DVD) All information in this PowerPoint has been adapted from the AllergyWise Training Course for Health Professionals, provided through the Anaphylaxis Campaign.