Here is a summary of information extracted from a Department of Health Publication regarding: "Guidance on the use of Adrenaline Auto-Injectors in Schools". Publication date 15 September 2017
There are 7 sections covering various areas including: recognition, management, purchase, storage, use and training.
The whole document should be read in conjunction with: “Supporting Pupils at School with Medical Conditions”. Published December 2015, Reviewed Autumn 2017. This is a Statutory Document. There are also recent “Policy” documents, ie. UNISON (review 2017)
From 1st October 2017 the Human Medicines (Amendment) Regulations 2017 allows schools to purchase, without prescription, Adrenaline Auto-Injector (AAI) devices, if they so choose.This change applies to all Primary and Secondary schools (including Independent Schools) in the UK.
Holding spare AAI’s – This is a discretionary change enabling schools to do this if they wish.
Anaphylaxis is a severe and often sudden allergic reaction.
It is potentially life threatening and always requires immediate emergency response.
Up to 8% of children in the UK have a food allergy, the majority are not anaphylactic.
17% of fatal allergic reactions in school age children happen while at school.
Schools that hold “spare” AAI’s can administer them if available, to a pupil at risk. Medical authorisation and written parental consent for the use of the school’s AAI must be provided. The school’s AAI can be used if the pupil’s own AAI(‘s) is not available.
When there is any use of an AAI the emergency services (ambulance) must be called.
Anyone (child) who is at risk of anaphylaxis should carry their own AAI (two) at all times.
AAI devices contain a single fixed dose of adrenaline which can be administered by, non- healthcare professionals such as family members, teachers, first aid responders.
If the AAI is not carried by the pupil then it should be kept in a central place with the pupil’s name on it, BUT NOT locked in a cupboard.
AAI’s should not be located more than 5mins away from where it is needed.
Spare AAI’s must be kept separate from pupil’s AAI’s.
Storage and care of AAI’s must be carefully monitored.
School trips and sporting activities must be risk assessed.
Pupils Individual Healthcare Plans and any Allergy Action Plan must be kept updated.
Delays in administering Adrenaline have been associated with fatal outcomes.
Response procedures to the symptoms of an allergic reaction. It would be reasonable for ALL staff to be trained:
Recognise signs and symptoms.
Appreciate the need to administer an AAI.
How to access an AAI.
Schools must arrange, up to date, specialist anaphylaxis training for staff where a pupil in the school has been diagnosed as being at risk of anaphylaxis. The specialist training should include practical instruction in how to use the different AAI devises available. Although on-line resources and introductory e-learning is available although this is not a substitute for face to face training.
This face to face training, including AAI’s, CPR and Recovery Position, is available from: Life Saving Solutions Limited Give us a call and be trained or up-dated during your next in-house training day.
The article above is a summary of:- "Guidance on the use of Adrenaline Auto-Injectors in Schools". If you wish to read the full document please click HERE
The article refers to the document, “Supporting Pupils at School with Medical Conditions”. If you wish to read the full document please click HERE