Anaphylaxis and Allergy policy         

Aim

We aim for policy and practice to reflect real life.

At Green Umbrella all staff are able to recognise and manage Anaphylaxis and allergic reaction episodes promptly and efficiently, calling for further medical assistance if necessary.

Implementation  

If you, a child, staff member or someone else is having a severe reaction or finding breathing difficult call an ambulance (dial 000) immediately.

In the event of a severe allergic or anaphylactic reaction:

• Kept the child as calm and quiet
• Collect the child’s Epi pen and management plan (kitchen) and also a spare injector
• call 000 - stay on the phone
• The child is injected as per training
• If there is no positive response a second injector is used (under the instruction of the 000 team).
• At the earliest available time the parents are called
• Parents or staff accompany the child in the ambulance
• A debrief is to be held with all appropriate people (staff and students) at a convenient time

Management process

• An individual health care plan is provided to Green Umbrella by the parent confirming that their child has been assessed as being at risk of anaphylaxis.
• The health plan is drawn up in consultation with the parent and their medical professional. The individual health care plan must incorporate an emergency response plan.
• The plan is reviewed annually as and when the student's medical condition changes.

The plan will outline:

• information about the student's diagnosis;
• strategies that OSHC can take to minimise risks including communication and risk management plan developed with the parent;
• the location of the student's medication; and
• emergency contact details and an emergency response plan signed by the student's doctor (specifically an Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy Anaphylaxis Action Plan).
• A copy of the action plan is to be displayed in the kitchen with an additional copies in the medical kit and emergency backpack. These plans are updated annually or as per the review date.

• If a child requires medication (EpiPen) for their allergy, parents need to supply clearly labelled medication which is to be left in the Kitchen for use in the case of exposure to an allergen.
• Information regarding the child’s allergen/s and action plan will be shared at staff meetings to ensure all staff are aware of the child’s specific situation.
• If it is determined by the staff or requested by the parents a meeting will be held with staff and parents to discuss the specific for their child

Understanding Anaphylaxis

Anaphylaxis is the most severe form of allergic reaction and is potentially life threatening. It usually occurs rapidly after exposure to a food, insect or medicine to which a person may already be allergic. Anaphylaxis must always be treated as a medical emergency and requires immediate treatment with adrenaline (epinephrine)

Signs of mild to moderate Allergic reactions

• Swelling of face, lips and eyes
• Hives or welts
• Tingling mouth
• Abdominal pain, vomiting (these are signs of anaphylaxis for insect allergy)

   Signs of a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis)

• Difficult/noisy breathing
• Swelling of tongue
• Swelling/tightness in throat
• Difficulty talking and/or hoarse voice
• Wheeze or persistent cough
• Persistent dizziness or collapse
• Pale and floppy (in young children)

Statutory Legislation & Considerations

• Children (Education and Care Services National Law Application) Act 2010
• Education and Care Services National Regulations 2011
• Regulation 90,91,94,136, 173
• National Quality Standards – Quality Area 2
• NSW Dept of Health; NSW Dept of Education and Training: Severe Allergic Reactions; anaphylaxis guidelines

Date Approved: October 2018

Date Reviewed: November 2020

Date reviewed: November 2023

Next review date November 2026