1. ANAPHYLAXIS
A Severe Allergy

2. Arizona School Access to Emergency Epinephrine Act (SB1421) Passed on September 24, 2013
What does it mean for our schools?
Requires training of all staff in the Recognition of the Symptoms of ANAPHYLAXSIS and How to Provide Assistance
Allows schools to stock and administer auto-injectable epinephrine and protects trained staff members from civil liability
Allows training of non nurse staff members in the administration of auto-injectable epinephrine

3. WHAT IS AN ALLERGY?
Allergies occur when the immune system becomes unusually sensitive and overreacts to common substances that are normally harmless.
Examples are:
Foods – peanuts, tree nuts, sesame seeds, milk eggs, seafood, soy, wheat, sulphites and mustard
Insect bites – bees, wasps, hornets and some ants
Medications – penicillin, sulfa drugs
Exercise
Latex – gloves/medical devices

4. WHAT IS ANAPHYLAXIS?
Occurs when a person is exposed to an allergen causing a severe, life- threatening allergic response
Reactions occur within minutes or, more rarely, up to a few hours after exposure

5. SYMPTOMS of ANAPHYLAXIS
Skin – hives , swelling, itching, warmth, redness, rash
Respiratory (breathing) – wheezing, shortness of breath, throat tightness, cough, hoarse voice, chest pain/tightness, nasal congestion or hay fever-like symptoms (runny itchy nose and watery eyes, sneezing), trouble swallowing
Gastrointestinal (stomach): nausea, pain/cramps, vomiting, diarrhea
Cardiovascular (heart): pale/blue color, weak pulse, passing out, dizzy/lightheaded, shock
Other: anxiety, feeling of “impending doom”, headache, uterine cramps in females, metallic taste

6. How a student may describe symptoms of Anaphylaxis
This food is too spicy
My tongue is hot (or burning)
It feels like something is poking my tongue
My tongue (or mouth) is tingling (or burning)
My tongue (or mouth) itches
It (my tongue) feels like there is hair on it
My mouth feels funny
There’s a frog in my throat
There’s something stuck in my throat
My tongue feels full (or heavy)
My lips feel tight
It feels like there are bugs in there (to describe itchy ears)
It (my throat) feels thick
It feels like a bump is on the back of my tongue (throat)

7. Why Are Our Students At Higher Risk?
Increased independence
Increased risk taking behavior ‘invincible’
Eating unsafe food, sharing food, and eating out
Not carrying auto injector-( lack insurance coverage, $, understanding, etc.)
The part of the brain that makes decisions is the last to mature
Not telling friends, wanting to fit in or
Their first exposure/ reaction occurs at school
*One in 13 kids has a food allergy and 25 percent have their first reaction at school

8. People with a risk of risk of ANAPHYLAXIS are taught to follow the THREE A’S:
Awareness
Know the triggers
Know the emergency plan and how to administer epinephrine via the auto-injector
Avoidance
Avoid contact with allergens
Action
Give auto-injector and call 911.
Don’t delay!

9. What Should I Do?
Be aware of students who have a risk of ANAPHYLAXIS in your classroom/school
Recognize the symptoms
Allow student to administer single dose auto-injector
Call the Security/Nurse
***Call 911 if you cannot reach someone immediately
*Epinephrine is the only way to reverse the effects of anaphylaxis. Must be given ASAP
*Epinephrine may only last for 15 minutes, calling 911 is very important

10. How Can I Help AFTER The Student Uses Their EPI PEN And Before Help Arrives?
If dizzy or faint have student lie down
If nauseated or vomiting, have the student lie on their side to prevent choking
If breathing is difficult the student may sit up
Loosen tight clothing and cover student with blanket
Don’t give the student anything to drink
Do Not Leave the Student Alone!

11. The End