Anaphylaxis:

Anaphylaxis is a severe life-threatening allergic reaction to foods, medications, latex, and insect bites/stings.  These types of reactions can occur suddenly or hours after exposure to an allergen.  Anaphylaxis signs and symptoms can include but are not limited to difficulty breathing, wheezing, rapid breathing, nausea, and vomiting.  Treatment of anaphylaxis requires an injection of epinephrine and an emergency room visit.  Prevention is the key to managing anaphylactic allergies.  Maintaining students’ safety and well-being is the primary goal of ECISD and is achieved through communication and collaboration with your school nurse, parents, and students.

School Nurse Responsibilities:

• Review student health information provided by the parent/guardian.
• Collaborate with parent/guardian and appropriate school staff to develop and implement an individualized health care plan, emergency action plan, and 504 plan if needed.  Information to be included:
  • Documentation of the allergen.
  • Specific triggers and symptoms that student has experienced with exposure to the allergen.
  • The name of the physician caring for the student’s allergies and other health information.
  • Any strategies used to reduce the risk of exposure to the allergen, including but not limited to field trips, off-campus events, class parties, and transportation.
  • Prescribed medications.
  • Emergency action steps to take in the event the student is exposed to the allergen.
• Educate and train staff to recognized signs and symptoms of anaphylaxis and the appropriate emergency response to include:
  • Prevention strategies.
  • Use of prescribed emergency medications.
• Review individualized health care plan, emergency action plan, and 504 plan yearly and as needed.

Parent/Guardian Responsibilities:

• Communicate known allergen to the school nurse and include specific triggers and symptoms.
• Provide written doctor’s orders to include:
  • Documentation of allergen
  • Prescribed medications
• Provide school nurse with necessary forms to carry out student’s prescribed treatment regimen to include:
  • Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Emergency Care Plan.
  • School Nutrition Medical Statement to Request School Meal Modification Parent’s Request for Administration of Medication by School Personnel.
  • Student with Peanut and Other Allergy-Self Administration with Epi-Pen or Other Medications (if applicable).
• Collaborate with the school nurse and appropriate school staff to develop an individualized health care plan, emergency action plan, and 504 plan as needed.
• Provide properly labeled prescribed and over the counter medications in their original containers and replace used or expired medications.
• Educate your student on their allergy, ways to avoid allergen, signs, and symptoms of anaphylaxis, and appropriate emergency action steps.
• Provide the school and school nurse current and updated emergency contact information.

Student Responsibilities:

• Wear medical alert/ID.
• Avoid known allergens.
• Do not eat foods with unknown ingredients.
• Do not trade, share or accept food from others.
• Immediately notify an adult of exposure to a known allergen or if experiencing signs/symptoms of anaphylaxis.
• If able, properly self-carry and maintain medications responsibly.

Guidelines for the Care of Students with Food Allergies