Do you know what to do in an anaphylaxis emergency?
Do you know what to do in an anaphylaxis emergency?
As you begin the 2015-2016 school year, the National Association of School Nurses (NASN) wants to renew the NASN commitment to preventing allergic reactions at school by ensuring that school nurses around the country have access to resources that prepare them for this potential event and know these resources are available through NASN and other partners.
First and foremost, Get Trained© is alive and well! This program is a tool and resource for scripted training of unlicensed school staff to administer epinephrine via an auto injector during an anaphylactic emergency. It also has additional resources to assist you in your everyday practice, including tools from NASN and links to partner resources.
If you need professional development and/or technical assistance related to epinephrine administration, you are encouraged to contact the Epinephrine Resource School Nurse (ERSN) in your state. Names and contact information for ERSNs around the country are available to you.
The above resources are located on the NASN website in the Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis content area. One of the more helpful documents in this content area for understanding the depth of this issue is the Voluntary Guidelines for Managing Food Allergies In Schools and Early Care and Education Programs. These guidelines, from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), provide practical information and planning steps for parents, district administrators, school administrators and staff, and Early Care and Education program administrators and staff to develop or strengthen plans for food allergy management and prevention.
If you are looking for checklists and/or forms that can be adapted to your school and school district, the Epinephrine Policies, Protocols and Reporting web page has what you need.
Further, the NASN position document, Allergy/Anaphylaxis Management in the School Setting, defines and explains the role of the school nurse to prevent exposure to allergens in school and treat anaphylaxis. NASN position statements are evidence-based papers summarizing the historical, political, and/or scientific aspects about a topic related to school nursing and student health. These documents can be shared with members of the school community, media, and legislators.
Lastly, the article below offers a recap of the role of the school nurse and explains the need for planning and emergency care plans that outline what needs to be done for students with allergies.
Schoessler, S. & White, M.V. (2013). Recognition and treatment of anaphylaxis in the school setting: The essential role of the school nurse. The Journal of School Nursing, 29(6), 407-415. doi: 10.1177/1059840513506014.
All the best for a great school year.
BETTER HEALTH. BETTER LEARNING TM
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