10.02 Allergens Policy

Transcription

1 10.02 Allergens Policy Introduction 1. The United World College of South East Asia is committed to the ongoing development and implementation of practices that will increase the health and safety of all individuals in the school community. 2. Underlying this policy and in keeping with the philosophy of the College is the assumption that as the students grow older they should increasingly accept responsibility for themselves. The nature of the College and our style of education is such that a key point in the transition process occurs when the student leaves the Primary School. Within the Primary School it should also be acknowledged that the extent of containment and control varies between the Infant School and the Junior School where the students have more freedom. 3. The policy applies for all school arranged activities. Purpose 4. The purpose of this policy is to: 4.1. clearly define responsibilities and promote a cooperative approach between the school, the students, families and doctors execute strategies that will help prevent students from being exposed to possible lifethreatening allergies 4.3. promote an allergen aware environment where all children can learn, eat and play safely on school premises bring about awareness, recognition and a working protocol for anaphylaxis ensure that emergency and relieving medication is always available have school staff trained in both cardio-pulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and the use of an EpiPen to counter anaphylaxis provide a mechanism by which temporary or new teaching staff can readily identify the allergic child via Anaphylaxis Action Plans loaded on CIMS 4.8. implement written Anaphylaxis Action Plans 4.9. ensure prevention and treatment continues on school trips Page 1 of 6

2 Anaphylaxis 5. Anaphylaxis is a severe and sudden allergic reaction which may lead to cardio respiratory collapse and shock. It occurs when a person is exposed to an allergen. Fortunately implementing strategies for avoiding known allergens can reduce the risk of anaphylaxis. 6. Anaphylaxis always requires an emergency response as it may be fatal. Lifesaving first aid can include the administration of prescribed adrenaline by way of an Epipen. Prompt administration may halt and even reverse the allergic reaction. 7. On occasions anaphylaxis can occur when there is no previous history of allergy. 8. Common allergens include, 8.1. Foods e.g. peanuts, shellfish, fish, eggs and milk 8.2. Insect stings or bites e.g. wasps, bees, ants 8.3. Medication e.g. antibiotics, aspirin 8.4. Latex e.g. rubber gloves, balloons, swimming caps 9. Children highly allergic to any of the above are at risk. Severity of reaction can be influenced by exercise, hot weather and, in the case of food allergy, the amount eaten. In severe food allergies, an anaphylactic reaction is usually triggered by ingestion of the food. 10. High risk is assessed by, having a history of being hospitalised for anaphylaxis, and or being prescribed an Epipen Recognising signs and symptoms of anaphylaxis 11. Sudden reactions may appear spontaneously and may worsen over a period of time. The student may recognize the symptoms before any visible signs are shown. 12. Signs and symptoms may include noisy breathing, swelling and/or tingling of the lips and tongue and around the eyes, tightness in the throat, difficulty in talking, wheezing or persistent coughing, feeling weak or faint, loss of consciousness and cardiac arrest. Training of School Personnel 13. The Campus Health and Safety Committees will ensure that appropriate staff are trained in CPR and the use of Epipens. 14. Nurses are able to provide education and training of staff about anaphylaxis. This may be conducted at the beginning of the academic year and as required throughout the year so that Page 2 of 6

3 school personnel are knowledgeable about life threatening allergens, and to the best of their abilities are able to take the appropriate action in an emergency. Parental Responsibility 15. As part of the enrolment process, it is the responsibility of parents/guardians of students with allergies or a history of anaphylactic reactions to comply with recommended management by: Completing the Student Medical Details on CIMS with annual updates, or as necessary if there are any changes in medical circumstances Meeting with Nursing Staff to formulate an Anaphylaxis Action Plan Providing at least one current EpiPen in the original manufacturer's package Providing a second EpiPen on request if the risk assessment of the activity or trip would suggest it requires such provision. Role of the Nursing Staff 16. Nurses are expected to: Devise a child specific Anaphylaxis Action Plan in consultation with the student and his/her family containing: Personal identification data: name, date of birth, grade and tutor group; contact details of the parents, Specialist contact details, and a photograph Clear identification of the allergens to be avoided Individualized instructions written clearly in simple, non-medical language Parental consent to administer medication and share the Anaphylaxis Action Plan with adults charged with the care of their child Update Anaphylaxis Action Plan on an annual basis and as necessary Monitor Epipen and other emergency medications for movement on and off the campus and expiry dates and follow up accordingly with parents/guardians Student Epipen pouches will be kept in the relevant college clinic Copies of the Anaphylaxis Action Plans will be stored in student's Epipen Pouches will be uploaded to student's Medical Details on CIMS will be filed in Clinic folders Page 3 of 6

4 16.6. A summary of all student Anaphylaxis Action Plans will be shared with all UWC Teaching and Administration staff via google docs Ensure staff who are collecting students Epipen Pouches are aware of the Anaphylaxis Policy, and are trained in the use of Epipens. Curriculum 17. Ideally, we do not wish to exclude a student from involvement in a class activity. Wherever possible the curriculum should be modified to accommodate individual students who have an Anaphylaxis Action Plan provided it does not excessively impinge upon the education for others. If it does affect others then the student should be given a meaningful task to undertake. Role of the Teaching Staff 18. Teachers are expected to: ensure they are aware of the students they teach who are indicated on the College Management Information System (CMIS) as having an Anaphylaxis Action Plan review the Anaphylaxis Action Plan with the teacher assistant and consult a school nurse should there be any concerns collect students EpiPen Pouches when leaving school for an outside activity and return them to the relevant college clinic once returned to campus learn to recognize symptoms of an allergic reaction and never hesitate to act if a student reports signs of allergic reaction be trained in Epipen administration and know the location of the medication in the College Clinics. If recommended by a doctor, this should be carried by the teacher or teacher assistant when the student is participating in lessons or activities away from the classroom educate students on preventing food allergy reaction by not sharing food be alert to the possibility of students with Anaphylaxis Action Plans being stigmatized or isolated and educating other students about their social responsibility reinforce hand-washing before and after eating provide an allergen-free table within the classroom if appropriate. 19. The Administration will be expected to notify all parents that a food allergic student is in the class and ask them to co-operate in maintaining an allergen free classroom. Page 4 of 6

5 Food Services 20. It is the responsibility of the Chef to: read all food labels for potential allergens, rechecking routinely for any changes in ingredients make sure that all potential food allergens are declared on the menu and displayed at the counter train food services staff, as appropriate, on food allergies, the potential for cross contamination and how to recognise food allergens. 21. Parents will be directed to the College caterers when questions arise regarding food menu items. Buses 22. As the school bus system is privately owned and managed by the school bus company, it is up to each parent to contact them and satisfy themselves that their children should travel by bus. Trips 23. It is the responsibility of the parent/guardian to arrange a meeting with the organizer of a trip prior to a student with an Anaphylaxis Action Plan going on a College Field Trip, particularly if the trip is outside Singapore. The purpose of such a meeting would be to assess the risks and discuss the feasibility of the student participating in the trip. Both parties would have the right to say no to the student s participation. 24. If a student with an Anaphylaxis Action Plan goes on a Field Trip then the organizer of the trip must ensure that they have a copy of the Anaphylaxis Action Plan and the student's EpiPen Pouch. The organizer of the trip must be aware of the location of the nearest hospital at the final destination for the trip. 25. Should a student with an Anaphylaxis Action Plan go on a College Field Trip, they may be accompanied by their parent or guardian. If this is the case then the parent/guardian will be considered responsible for the health and well-being of the student. Alternatively the parents may finance the cost of an appropriately qualified medic to accompany the trip. Action to be taken 26. Administer oral antihistamines and bronchodilators as per Anaphylaxis Action Plan if student is conscious and able and monitor until symptoms subside. 27. If condition persists or worsens, administer the EpiPen immediately. Do not hesitate to administer the EpiPen as it is easier to stop a reaction in its early stages and early treatment may prevent a fatal reaction. Page 5 of 6

6 28. Call 995 for an ambulance immediately after administering EpiPen and inform the operator you have an anaphylaxis emergency. Do not disconnect until told to do so. 29. Ensure AED is available and on standby. 30. Do not attempt to transport the student to hospital in private transport. 31. Inform Security department that an ambulance is expected. 32. If symptoms persist or recur after 10 minutes of the 1 st dose of EpiPen, administer further EpiPen as required. 33. Inform parents as soon as possible of subsequent management rendered and to which hospital the student has been taken. I Page 6 of 6