1. Anaphylaxis A Life Threatening Allergy
A Concern in School
Student Education
Introduce yourself. Ask if anyone has heard of Anaphylaxis.

2. Anaphylaxis is...
A SEVERE allergic reaction that can affect the entire body
It happens quickly
It can be fatal
It often has an identifiable cause
Anaphylaxis is a sudden, severe, potentially fatal systemic allergic reaction that involve various areas of the body.

3. It can affect the whole body
Skin
Breathing
Heart
Stomach
Head
About 90% of reactions include some sort of rash, redness , or itching. Over 50% of the reactions include breathing difficulty. Along with that, about 1/3 will complain of dizziness, nausea, diarrhea and abdominal cramps. Recognizing the symptoms and early treatment are important components for the school management plan. If the reaction continues it can cause severe difficulty breathing and even death.

4. How Quick is Quick?
Symptoms can occur within minutes after contact with the allergy causing substance
Some individuals have a reaction and the symptoms go away only to return two to three hours later. This is called a “biphasic reaction”. Often the symptoms occur in the respiratory tract and take the person by surprise.

5. Common Causes Food Medication Insect stings Latex (ie:Balloons)
Some have an unknown cause
Antibiotics (such as penicillin) and vaccines are not usually a problem at school, but foods (such as peanuts) or insect bites are a daily experience. Latex from protective gloves or balloons is a growing concern.

6. Who is at risk?
Anyone with a previous allergy history (insects, medications, latex/balloons)
Individuals with food allergies (Particularly allergies to peanuts and tree nuts)
People with asthma are at an increased risk
Anyone – sudden onset
A recent study showed that teens with food allergy and asthma appears to be at the highest risk for a reaction because they are more likely to dine away from home, they are less likely to carry medications, and they may ignore or not recognize symptoms.

7. Signs and symptoms Tingling sensation, esp. in mouth or throat
Rash...itching... burning
Sensation of warmth
Breathing difficulty
Changes in skin color
Metallic taste
Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or cramps
Anxiety, dizziness, headache
Drop in blood pressure
Loss of consciousness
As we look at this list of symptoms, we notice that it affects whole systems of the body. Probably the first system to be affected is the skin. If it is something the child has eaten the rash may start around the mouth. If it is a bee sting it may be at the site of the sting. Or, it can be a whole body rash. Sometimes it can be itching without a visible rash. The respiratory tract is of great concern. The difficulty with breathing can be a result of the swelling or the spasm in the throat which is a result of the reaction. The anxiety can also contribute to breathing difficulties. If the student has a known history of anaphylaxis it is easy to recognize what is happening. Quick treatment could save a life!

8. Treatment for Anaphylaxis…
Requires Immediate Attention.
Prompt administration of epinephrine.
Call 911 & transport to hospital emergency room.
Being prepared can save a life.

9. Prevention of a Severe Allergic Reaction at School
Maintain Allergen Free Areas:
Peanut/nut free lunch tables
Contain your eating area
No throwing food
No sharing food
Avoid eating in classrooms
No homemade items for celebrations/activities
No latex balloons in school
This is why we are here today. We want to be ready. We want to be prepared and know what to look for and how to respond. Does this mean we will not be nervous if this should ever happen? Absolutely not. But, we will be better able to do what needs to be done if we have a plan, and practice what to we need to do.

10. Be Supportive Never tease about an allergy
Never threaten someone about an allergy
Never touch someone with food
Never touch someone else’s food
If the history is positive waste no time in treating.

11. Be Supportive See It - Report It
Always remember that an allergy can be life threatening
Remember you may not know if someone has an allergy
Always notify an adult if you suspect an allergic reaction is occurring or if you see some one being teased or threatened because of an allergy
If the history is positive waste no time in treating.

12. Your Actions Have Consequences
Code of Conduct
Discussion with Vice Principal
Parent notification
Possible change of lunch room (if lunch-related)
Possible change of class
Warning and/or detention
Possible suspension from school
Part of the plan is that once the need for epinephrine has been established, the student must seek further treatment at an emergency care facility or their primary care provider.

13. Your Actions Have Consequences
Harassment Intimidation & Bullying
Possible HIB investigation to determine further consequences
Possible notification to Randolph Police Department
Part of the plan is that once the need for epinephrine has been established, the student must seek further treatment at an emergency care facility or their primary care provider.

14. In coordination with RMS Administration
Prepared by:
Karen Ivin, RN
Janet Hawkins, RN
RMS - School Nurses
In coordination with RMS Administration

15. Student Education – Anaphylaxis Awareness presented to each grade level during the Dierdre House “Be a Buddy Not a Bullying” assemblies. Video included: “Anaphylaxis – It’s No Joke”