Page 23 - Anaphylaxis in Schools & Other Settings, 3rd Edition Revised

Training & Communication Training
All individuals who have been prescribed an epinephrine auto-injector – and their parents and caregivers – should know how to use it before an emergency arises. All individuals who are in regular contact with children at risk of anaphylaxis should participate in training sessions. In the school setting, they would include: school staff, nurses, foodservice staff, bus drivers, coaches, and so forth.
The principal or a delegate should keep a record of staff who have completed the training. Friends of appropriate age and maturity, teenagers, and adults can also be trained to respond in an emergency situation.
Standardized anaphylaxis training should be provided once a year at minimum, preferably around the start of the school year. Ideally, a follow-up refresher training session should be given mid-year.
Training should include ways to reduce the risk of exposure, recognition of signs and symptoms
of anaphylaxis, when and how to give the epinephrine auto-injector, initiation of 9-1-1 response,
and transfer of care to paramedics, where available. It is beneficial for participants to role play an emergency situation, similar to practicing a fire drill. This allows trainees to become familiar with the emergency procedure for dealing with an anaphylactic reaction, identify areas of improvement, and increase confidence in their ability to respond appropriately. It would also be a good opportunity for the school to involve its nurses or local paramedics, where appropriate. Educational services and resources are available through some public health units, allergy associations, paramedic associations, and professional training services.
With proper training, people can successfully learn how to use an epinephrine auto-injector with confidence. Auto-injector trainers or demonstrators are must-have teaching tools that allow for hands-on learning. The auto-injector trainers look like the real devices but do not contain a needle or medication. Studies have shown that individuals at risk of anaphylaxis, parents/guardians of allergic children, caregivers, teachers, and even healthcare professionals often cannot correctly administer
the EpiPen®.20-26 Practicing with an auto-injector trainer allows people to become familiar with the administration technique. (See Appendix A for information about auto-injector trainers/demonstrators.)
Training with the brands of auto-injectors available in Canada is recommended for school staff.
Communication
Ongoing communication about the school anaphylaxis plan is essential in creating awareness and support for students at risk. Some school principals distribute their school anaphylaxis plan to all families at the beginning of the school year and reminders are often published in school bulletins and newsletters throughout the year. Parents are often involved with their children in educating classmates about allergies using age-appropriate books, videos and games. (See Appendix F for sample school letters.)
Anaphylaxis in Schools & Other Settings
© 2005-2016 Canadian Society of Allergy and Clinical Immunology
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Consensus Statement