Recommendations

School board policies should include:

• An overview of anaphylaxis - definition, signs and symptoms
• General guidelines for
  • responding in an emergency situation
  • reducing the risk of exposure to allergenic substances in classrooms and common school areas
• Defined responsibilities for school board, principals, nurses, parents, pupils at risk, and those in regular contact with pupils at risk
• A requirement that every school principal
  • obtain information about pupils' life-threatening allergies upon registration
  • develop an individual plan for each pupil at risk of anaphylaxis, including risk reduction strategies and an Anaphylaxis Emergency Plan
  • maintain a file for each pupil at risk which includes proof of diagnosis, current treatment, an emergency procedure for the pupil, and current contact information
  • arrange for regular training (annually at a minimum) for all employees and others who are in contact with pupils at risk
• A sample Anaphylaxis Emergency Plan
• Requirements regarding the location of epinephrine auto-injectors
• A communication plan for the dissemination of information on life-threatening allergies to the school community

More details can be found in Anaphylaxis Policies (School Boards, Provinces & Territories).