Emergency Treatment In School Anaphylaxis Emergency Treatment In School www.healthmatters.clch.nhs.uk

What is anaphylaxis? • An acute, severe and rapidly developing allergic reaction requiring medical attention. • It affects the whole body. • It is life-threatening. www.healthmatters.clch.nhs.uk

Common Triggers Foods Non-Foods www.healthmatters.clch.nhs.uk

Exposure To A Trigger Results In…. • A reaction between the body’s antibodies and the substance (allergen). • A sudden release of chemical substances, including histamine, from cells in the blood and tissues where they are stored. • The released chemicals cause:- fall in blood pressure difficulty breathing swelling www.healthmatters.clch.nhs.uk

Recognising Anaphylaxis • swelling or itching sensation in throat and mouth • difficulty in swallowing or speaking • breathless, wheeze • generalised flushing of the skin or pallor and clammy skin • nettle rash (hives) anywhere on the body • abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting • sense of impending doom • alterations in heart rate • sudden feeling of weakness (drop in blood pressure) • collapse and unconsciousness www.healthmatters.clch.nhs.uk

Action • Keep calm, reassure the student. • Call an ambulance. (they will be agitated and in a state of panic) • Call an ambulance. (inform them of suspected anaphylaxis) • Administer Adrenaline Injector (even if you are not sure of diagnosis) www.healthmatters.clch.nhs.uk

Adrenaline • Reverses swelling • Relieves asthma symptoms • Constricts blood vessels So increasing the Blood Pressure, which improves blood flow to vital organs. • Stimulates the heart beat www.healthmatters.clch.nhs.uk

Auto-Injectors • Contain Adrenaline • Different makes of auto-injector • Three most common in the UK are Epipen, Jext and Emerade. www.healthmatters.clch.nhs.uk

Administering An Adrenaline Pen Pull off the safety cap. Form a fist around the pen. Jab it firmly into the outer thigh so that it “clicks”. Hold it in place for 10 seconds. (Can be administered through light clothing) 5. If no improvement in symptoms after 5mins, give second Adrenaline Pen. www.healthmatters.clch.nhs.uk

Remember…….. • Any student treated for anaphylaxis must go to hospital, even if they appear to have recovered. • Report details of incident to ambulance staff and give them the used pens. • Notify next-of-kin at earliest opportunity. www.healthmatters.clch.nhs.uk

Responsibilities • Students known to be at risk from anaphylaxis should have at least one Adrenaline Pen in school. • Adrenaline Pens expire after 2 years. They are prescribed by the student’s GP. • Adrenaline Pens must be available at all times, preferably kept with the student. • Students with severe allergies (and other medical conditions) should have a Health Care Plan which is agreed between the school and the parent/carer. www.healthmatters.clch.nhs.uk

For more information: School Nurse Health Matters NHS Choices www.healthmatters.clch.nhs.uk