Anaphylaxis at school or child care service
Summary of important points
Anaphylaxis is a medical emergency that requires a rapid response.
Certain foods and insect stings are the most common causes of anaphylaxis.
The key to prevention of anaphylaxis is identifying triggers and preventing exposure to these triggers. Schools and child care services need to develop prevention strategies in consultation with the child and the child’s parents.
Adrenaline given through an adrenaline autoinjector is the first line treatment for anaphylaxis. The adrenaline autoinjector is designed so anyone can use it in an emergency.
Staff who are responsible for the care of children at risk of anaphylaxis must obtain training in how to recognise and respond to an anaphylactic reaction, including administering an adrenaline autoinjector.
Parents
If your child is at school or child care and is at risk of anaphylaxis, you must:
- inform staff of the diagnosis and its cause
- discuss prevention strategies with staff
- work with staff to develop an Individual Anaphylaxis Health Care Plan
- provide the school or child care service with an ASCIA action plan (external link), or copies of the plan, that is signed by the child’s medical practitioner and has an up-to-date photograph
- supply the child’s adrenaline autoinjector and ensure it has not expired
Staff
It is recommended that staff involved should:
- know the identity of children who are at risk of anaphylaxis
- liaise regularly with parents
- follow information contained in the child’s Individual Anaphylaxis Health Care Plan
- obtain training in how to recognise and respond to an anaphylactic reaction, including administering an adrenaline autoinjector
- ensure the adrenaline autoinjector is stored correctly (at room temperature and away from light) in an unlocked, easily accessible place
- know where the adrenaline autoinjector is located
- in the event of a reaction, follow the procedures in the child’s ASCIA action plan
More information:
» What are allergies? What is anaphylaxis?
» What are the main causes?
» Signs and symptoms
» Why is it important to know about anaphylaxis?
» How can anaphylaxis be treated or prevented?
Print:
» Anaphylaxis factsheet (PDF 298KB)