Partnerships between schools and parents are important in ensuring that certain foods or items are kept away from the student while at school.

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1 ANAPHYLAXIS MANAGEMENT POLICY BACKGROUND Anaphylaxis is a severe, rapidly progressive allergic reaction that is potentially life threatening. The most common allergens in school aged children are peanuts, eggs, tree nuts (e.g. cashews), cow s milk, fish and shellfish, wheat, soy, sesame, latex, certain insect stings and medication. The key to prevention of anaphylaxis in schools is knowledge of those students who have been diagnosed at risk, awareness of triggers (allergens), and prevention of exposure to these triggers. Partnerships between schools and parents are important in ensuring that certain foods or items are kept away from the student while at school. Adrenaline given through an adrenaline autoinjector (EpiPen) to the muscle of the outer mid-thigh is the most effective first aid treatment for anaphylaxis. The College will comply with Ministerial Order 706: Anaphylaxis Management in Victorian Schools and guidelines on anaphylaxis management. The College will also develop and maintain an Anaphylaxis Management Policy PURPOSE To provide, as far as practicable, a safe and supportive environment in which students at risk of anaphylaxis can participate equally in all aspects of the student s schooling. To raise awareness about anaphylaxis and the school s anaphylaxis management policy in the school community To engage with parents/carers of students at risk of anaphylaxis in assessing risks, developing risk minimisation strategies and management strategies for the student. To ensure that each staff member has adequate knowledge about allergies, anaphylaxis and the school s policy and procedures in responding to an anaphylactic reaction. INDIVIDUAL ANAPHYLAXIS MANAGEMENT PLANS The Principal will ensure that an Individual Anaphylaxis Management Plan is developed, in consultation with the student s Parents, for any student who has been diagnosed by a Medical Practitioner as being at risk of anaphylaxis. The Individual Anaphylaxis Management Plan will be in place as soon as practicable after the student enrols, and where possible before their first day of school. The Individual Anaphylaxis Management Plan will set out the following: information about the student s medical condition that relates to allergy and the potential for anaphylactic reaction, including the type of allergy/allergies the student has (based on a written diagnosis from a Medical Practitioner); strategies to minimise the risk of exposure to known and notified allergens while the student is under the care or supervision of College staff, for in-school and out-of-school settings including in the school yard, at camps and excursions, or at special events conducted, organised or attended by the School; the name of the person(s) responsible for implementing the strategies; information on where the student's medication will be stored; the student's emergency contact details; and an ASCIA Action Plan. School Staff will then implement and monitor the student s Individual Anaphylaxis Management Plan. The student s Individual Anaphylaxis Management Plan will be reviewed, in consultation with the student s Parents in all of the following circumstances: annually;

2 if the student's medical condition, insofar as it relates to allergy and the potential for anaphylactic reaction, changes; as soon as practicable after the student has an anaphylactic reaction at School; and when the student is to participate in an off-site activity, such as camps and excursions, or at special events conducted, organised or attended by the School (eg. class parties, elective subjects, cultural days, fetes, incursions). It is the responsibility of the Parents to: provide the ASCIA Action Plan; inform the College in writing if their child s medical condition, insofar as it relates to allergy and the potential for anaphylactic reaction, changes and if relevant, provide an updated ASCIA Action Plan; provide an up to date photo for the ASCIA Action Plan when that Plan is provided to the College and when it is reviewed; and provide the College with an Adrenaline Autoinjector that is current and not expired for their child (in addition to the Adrenaline Autoinjector that the student carries with them at all times). ASCIA ACTION PLAN FOR ANAPHYLAXIS The College will request from the parents or guardians, an ASCIA Action Plan for Anaphylaxis to be completed for each student identified as at risk of anaphylaxis. On return of the Action Plan, details will be recorded in the following areas: Hard copy on student file Hard copy stored with medication Hard copy stored in Reception in a clearly labelled folder Hard copy stored in each canteen and food tech in a clearly labelled folder Data recorded in College database - Student Medical Records Data recorded in SIMON note added in student profile Display in Attendance Notes ticked Copy of plan recorded on College Intranet U Drive/MEDICAL Relevant staff notified of Medical High Risk student condition and Action Plan Parents will be requested to provide an adrenaline autoinjector (Epipen) for student to carry with him at all times and an additional adrenaline autoinjector (Epipen) to ensure that there is adequate protection for the student Parents will be requested to provide details of any changes to the Action Plan as soon as they become known. Any changes will be relayed to staff. Staff will be notified of those students identified as at risk of anaphylaxis by: Being directed to the College U Drive where student medical information and management plans are stored. This information is also stored on the College Intranet which is visible on the student s timetable and profile. Alert card given to emergency teaching staff listing those students who have an Anaphylaxis Action Plan and a copy of information relating to severe allergic reaction. PREVENTION STRATEGIES The College has an Anaphylaxis Management Policy in place to ensure it is doing as much as possible to prevent and respond to anaphylactic reaction. Minimisation of the risk of anaphylaxis is everyone's responsibility: the College (including the Principal and all staff), Parents, students and the broader school community. Although the College has minimisation strategies in place, as listed below, Parents have important obligations under Ministerial Order 706 (and the College s Anaphylaxis Management Policy). These obligations will assist the College to manage the risk of anaphylaxis.

3 Below are the minimisations strategies the College has in place (which are detailed in student s individual management plans): Classroom Risk identified Actions required to minimise the risk Who is responsible? Completion date? Treat containing allergen provided to students Ensure safe treats are given Don t give treats from outside sources to anaphylactic students Casual Relief Teacher Key ring given to CRT with photos and being unaware of student allergen info of anaphylactic students with anaphylaxis Food Technology Class Class teacher Daily to provide key ring As needed As needed Risk identified Actions required to minimise the risk Who is responsible? Completion date? Anaphylaxis action plans to be stored in department Reception to provide to department Start of the new year or as new plan provided At the beginning of each class ask who has any allergies Class teacher Beginning of each class Contact made with allergen Contact made with allergen Wipe down benches regularly Class teacher Before / during / after class Advise students to wash hands regularly Class teacher Before / during / after class Student anaphylactic towards eggs This student may not be able to participate in some/all food technology classes Class teacher Before class Special events, i.e. Edmund Rice Day / Food Frenzy Day / Sports Risk identified Actions required to minimise the risk Who is responsible? Completion date? Give plenty of notice to parents/guardians about the event Event At least one week before event Allergen consumed Ensure various foods are available which this student can safely eat Event event Student anaphylactic to cold Speak to student and parents regarding Sports coordinator whether they can participate in swimming/other water activities Camp/Excursion event

4 Risk identified Actions required to minimise the risk Who is responsible? Completion date? Make contact with provider early and advise of student allergens At least one week prior to staying with the provider Ask camp provider to avoid stocking peanut or tree nut products including nut spreads. Products that may contain traces of nuts may be served but not to students who are known to be allergic to nuts At least one week prior to staying with the provider / during camp allergen consumed/contact made with food Anaphylactic reaction Ensure enough medical supplies for camp (ie. anti-histamine and 2 Epipens per student), management plan and mobile (satellite phone if no coverage) to be taken. The Epipen must remain close to the student and staff must be aware of its location at all times. Staff to develop an emergency procedure that sets out clear roles and responsibilities in the case of an anaphylactic reaction Anaphylactic reaction Be aware of local emergency services in the area and how to access them. Liaise with them before camp. Anaphylactic reaction Penicillin provided to student who is anaphylactic to it Student anaphylactic to cold Liaise with parents to develop alternative menus / provide own food Ensure a number of staff on camp are trained in anaphylaxis management and Epipen administration. All staff present must be aware there is a student at risk of anaphylaxis Consider the potential exposure to allergens when consuming food on buses Ensure all staff on trip know that the student is anaphylactic towards penicillin Speak to student and parents regarding whether they can participate in swimming/other water activities Before boarding bus event Student anaphylactic to jelly fish Check with relevant authorities/local residents whether jelly fish present before swimming in any water. If so, the student must not swim. Student anaphylactic to Check itinerary in relation to possible contact grass, mould, cats, mites, with allergens. Discuss alternative activities bark with parents and student if need be. Canteen Anaphylaxis action plans to be stored in each canteen Reception to provide to department At beginning of year or when new plan received

5 Sale of nut products to be avoided. Some Canteen Manager products are sold that state may contain traces of nuts but these must not be sold to students with a nut allergy Canteen staff to be aware of students with anaphylaxis. Canteen Manager / Canteen Assistant Tables and surfaces are wiped down regularly Canteen Manager / Canteen Assistant Menu decided at the end of the year for the following year At beginning of year and when new plan received Regularly during the day Canteen provides a variety of meal options Canteen Manager / Office Manager Yard recess and lunch Menu decided at the end of the year for the following year Student must carry their own Epipen with them Student at all times Staff on yard duty on Carey Oval must take a first aid kit and mobile phone Staff on Yard Duty All the time As needed SCHOOL MANAGEMENT AND EMERGENCY RESPONSE The school s first aid procedures and students individual management plan and ASCIA action plan will be followed in responding to an anaphylactic reaction. Parents will be requested to provide an adrenaline autoinjector (Epipen) for the student to carry with him at all times and an additional adrenaline autoinjector (Epipen) to ensure that there is adequate protection for the student. The additional adrenaline autoinjector (Epipen) will be stored at the College Reception in an unlocked cupboard. The cupboard is clearly signed that it contains Epipen, allergy and Asthma supplies and each individual has a clearly labelled container which contains their individual and ASCIA action plans adrenaline autoinjector (Epipen) and any antihistamines. To view a current list of students with allergies and/or anaphylaxis as well as individual and ASCIA action plans please go to U drive / MEDICAL. The Principal will ensure that all staff, parents and students are provided with information about anaphylaxis and the College s Anaphylaxis Management Policy, see communication plan. EMERGENCY RESPONSE Self-administration of the Adrenaline Autoinjector Students must carry their own Adrenaline Autoinjector. It is important to note that students who ordinarily self-administer their Adrenaline Autoinjector may not physically be able to self-administer due to the effects of a reaction. In relation to these circumstances, staff must administer an Adrenaline Autoinjector to the student, in line with their duty of care for that student. If a student self-administers an Adrenaline Autoinjector, one member of staff should supervise and monitor the student, and another member of staff should contact an ambulance (on emergency number 000/112). It is important to remember that there is a second Adrenaline Autoinjector kept at the College Reception if needed.

6 Responding to an incident Where possible, only staff with training in the administration of the Adrenaline Autoinjector should administer the student s Adrenaline Autoinjector. However, it is imperative that an Adrenaline Autoinjector is administered as soon as possible after an anaphylactic reaction. Therefore, if necessary, the Adrenaline Autoinjector is designed to be administered by any person following the instructions in the student s ASCIA Action Plan. It is important that in responding to an incident, the student does not stand and is not moved unless in further danger (e.g. the anaphylactic reaction was caused by a bee sting and the bee hive is close by). In-School Environment Classrooms/Yard - mobile phones may be used to raise the alarm that a reaction has occurred. Out-of School Environments Excursions and Camps - Each individual camp and excursion requires risk assessment for each individual student attending who is at risk of anaphylaxis. Therefore emergency procedures will vary accordingly. A team of staff trained in anaphylaxis need to attend each event, and appropriate methods of communication need to be discussed, depending on the size of excursion/camp/venue. It is imperative that the process also addresses: o the location of Adrenaline Autoinjectors i.e. who will be carrying them. Is there a second medical kit? Who has it?; o how to get the Adrenaline Autoinjector to a student; and o who will call for ambulance response, including giving detailed location address. e.g. Melway reference if city excursion, and best access point or camp address/gps location. Students at risk of anaphylaxis A member of staff should remain with the student who is displaying symptoms of anaphylaxis at all times. As per instructions on the ASCIA Action Plan: Lay the person flat. Do not allow them to stand or walk. If breathing is difficult allow them to sit. A member of staff should immediately locate the student's Adrenaline Autoinjector and the student's Individual Anaphylaxis Management Plan, which includes the student s ASCIA Action Plan. Always call an ambulance as soon as possible (000) When using a standard phone call 000 (triple zero) for an ambulance. If you are using a GSM digital mobile phone which is out of range of your service provider, displays a message indicating emergency calls only, or does not have a SIM card, call 112. First-time reactions If a student has a severe allergic reaction, but has not been previously diagnosed with an allergy or being at risk of anaphylaxis, staff should follow the school's first aid procedures. This should include immediately contacting an ambulance using 000. It may also include locating and administering an Adrenaline Autoinjector for General Use. Post-incident support An anaphylactic reaction can be a very traumatic experience for the student, others witnessing the reaction, and Parents. In the event of an anaphylactic reaction, students and staff may benefit from post-incident counselling, provided by the College counsellor or outside counselling services. Review After an anaphylactic reaction has taken place that has involved a student in the College's care and supervision, it is important that the following review processes take place. 1. The Adrenaline Autoinjector must be replaced by the Parent as soon as possible. 2. In the meantime, the Principal should ensure that there is an interim Individual Anaphylaxis Management Plan should another anaphylactic reaction occur prior to the replacement Adrenaline Autoinjector being provided. 3. If the Adrenaline Autoinjector for General Use has been used this should be replaced as soon as possible. 4. In the meantime, the Principal should ensure that there is an interim plan in place should another anaphylactic reaction occur prior to the replacement Adrenaline Autoinjector for General Use being provided.

7 5. The student's Individual Anaphylaxis Management Plan should be reviewed in consultation with the student's Parents. 6. The School's Anaphylaxis Management Policy should be reviewed to ensure that it adequately responds to anaphylactic reactions by students who are in the care of School Staff. COMMUNICATION PLAN The Principal will be responsible for ensuring that a communication plan is developed to provide information to all staff, students and parents about anaphylaxis and the College s anaphylaxis management policy. The communication plan will include information about what steps will be taken to respond to an anaphylactic reaction by a student in a classroom, in the school yard, on school excursions, on school camps and special event days. Casual relief staff of students at risk of anaphylaxis will be informed of students at risk of anaphylaxis and their role in responding to an anaphylactic reaction by a student in their care by the Daily Organiser. Volunteers working with students who are at risk of anaphylaxis will be informed of the students at risk and their role in responding to an anaphylactic reaction by a student in their care by the staff member in charge of the volunteer. The Principal will ensure that all staff will be briefed once each semester by a staff member or authorised trainer who has up to date anaphylaxis management training on: the school s anaphylaxis management policy the causes, symptoms and treatment of anaphylaxis the identities of students diagnosed at risk of anaphylaxis and where their medication is located how to use an autoadrenaline (Epipen) injecting device the school s first aid and emergency response procedures in relation to anaphylaxis Parents will be contacted annually to review the student s anaphylaxis status and management plan, they will also be contacted: if the student's medical condition, insofar as it relates to allergy and the potential for anaphylactic reaction, changes; as soon as practicable after the student has an anaphylactic reaction at School; and when the student is to participate in an off-site activity, such as camps and excursions, or at special events conducted, organised or attended by the School (eg. class parties, elective subjects, cultural days, fetes, incursions). The College s Anaphylaxis Management Policy will be available on the College website and parent s notified of this via the newsletter. Homeroom teachers and/or class teachers are asked to discuss the topic with students in class, with a few simple key messages, outlined below: Always take food allergies seriously severe allergies are no joke. Don't share your food with friends who have food allergies. Wash your hands after eating. Know what your friends are allergic to. If a school friend becomes sick, get help immediately even if the friend does not want to. Be respectful of a school friend's Adrenaline Autoinjector. Don't pressure your friends to eat food that they are allergic to. ADRENALINE AUTO-INJECTORS FOR GENERAL USE

8 Parents are required to provide students with an adrenaline autoinjector (Epipen) to carry with them at all times, as well as an additional adrenaline autoinjector (Epipen) which is stored at the College Reception to ensure adequate protection for the student. The College will also store two spare adrenaline autoinjectors (Epipens) at the main campus and one spare at Westcourt campus for general use as a backup to those supplied by Parents. STAFF TRAINING Teachers and other school staff who conduct classes which students at risk of anaphylaxis attend, or give instruction to students at risk of anaphylaxis must have up to date training in an anaphylaxis management training course (in 3 years prior). Staff will also participate in the twice yearly briefing. At other times while the student is under the care or supervision of the school, including excursions, yard duty, camps and special event days, the Principal must ensure that there is a sufficient number of staff present who have up to date training in an anaphylaxis management training course. The Principal will identify the school staff to be trained based on a risk assessment. Training will be provided to these staff as soon as practicable after the student enrols. Wherever possible, training will take place before the student s first day at school. Where this is not possible, an interim plan will be developed in consultation with the parents. ANNUAL RISK MANAGEMENT CHECKLIST The College will complete a risk management checklist annually to ensure compliance with Ministerial Order 706.