Q: How many Epi pens should a school have?
- Schools will purchase at least one epinephrine auto-injector annually for an emergency situation. Epinephrine auto-injectors come in two dosage strengths, junior and regular (see answer to the following question for weight requirements). Schools will ensure appropriate dosages are available.
- Schools will request parents to provide two epinephrine auto-injectors. These must be current (not expired).
- The auto-injectors do not need to be stored in a fridge; they can be stored at room temperature.
Q: When buying epinephrine auto-injectors, can we just purchase the over 65lb version or is that harmful to smaller children?
The recommendations from Allergy Canada are as follows:
- The higher .30 mg dosage of the EpiPen auto-injector should be used for adults and children weighing 30 kg (66 lbs) or more
- The .15 mg dosage should be used for children weighing 15 to 30 kg (33 to 66 lbs)
- GVSD Anaphylaxis Regulation 5141.21 states that Epinephrine auto-injectors come in two dosage strengths. Schools will ensure appropriate dosages are available.
- In the event that a small child is in need of an injection and the only available dosage is .30 mg it will not harm the child
Q: Should a child keep their Epi-Pen with them at all times while at school?
- GVSD Anaphylaxis Regulation 5141.21 states that one of the student’s auto-injectors will be kept with the them at all times and the other kept in a central unlocked location in the school office. All staff should know the location of them, in case of emergency when they may be called upon to get it.
Q: What is the process when we take a student who is at risk of anaphylaxis on a field trip?
- Refer to item #9 on Field Trip Planning Checklist 9.
“Medical alert forms have been completed and first aid kit secured. Supervisors must ensure that medication is available for students with serious allergic reactions or medical conditions. Take a copy of the Anaphylaxis Emergency Action Form, and ensure the student has their Epinephrine Auto-Injector. Be aware of anaphylaxis exposure risk and ensure supervising adults are aware of student with anaphylaxis and emergency treatment”
Q: When a student has an anaphylactic reaction what sort of documentation is required?
These two forms are to be completed by an administrator following an anaphylactic incident in the school. Administrator Anaphylaxis Incident Form Administrator Incident Follow Up Checklist
Q: Is anaphylaxis training required for all teachers or only those with an identified student? When should this be completed?
- As per our GVSD Anaphylaxis Regulation 5141.21 Principals are required to provide anaphylaxis training at the beginning of each school year. All school staff and other persons reasonably expected to have supervisory responsibility of school-age students are expected to attend the training. This may include food service staff, volunteers, bus drivers, etc. Anaphylaxis Training recommended by Public Health is Anaphylaxis in Schools
Q: Does the Anaphylaxis Emergency Action Form need to signed and completed annually?
- The Anaphylaxis Emergency Action Form is valid indefinitely unless the student’s health condition changes. If this is the case, the form must be completed again by the student’s parents/guardians and physician. No medications can be given without a signed Anaphylaxis Emergency Action Form. An annual review of the Anaphylaxis Emergency Action Form with parents and students age 8 and older is required.
Q: Are there any alternatives to peanut butter that are safe for students with peanut allergies?
- WOW Butter is a safe alternative to peanut butter. It is made in a dedicated 100% peanut free, tree nut free, gluten free, dairy free and egg free facility. It can be purchased at most grocery stores.
