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Extreme hypersensitivity to insect and bee stings and certain foods
are a potentially life-threatening situation. Severe allergic reaction
(anaphylaxis) can be fatal within minutes if not quickly and
properly treated. Many healthcare providers require these students
carry an emergency kit containing injectable adrenaline
(epinephrine) and /or an oral medication. There are several kinds of
kits available, which are designed for self-injection, and it is the
responsibility of the student’s parent to provide the school with
the kit.
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A student with extreme hypersensitivity to an allergen must have a
completed Authorization for Medication/Treatment Form on file
stating that the student has been trained to use the self-injecting
emergency kit. The kit should always be in a place immediately
accessible by the student or responsible adults as well as any other
instructions that must be done as part of the emergency care for
this student. It is preferable for a student to perform
self-injection because this can be a life long problem.
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Notify the school nurse to set up an immediate training program for
staff who have contact with the student, especially the classroom
teacher, physical education teacher, principal designee for
administering medications, the bus driver and any special teacher
who works with the student.
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Training should include symptoms of anaphylaxis, immediate emergency
measures, how to administer emergency injection, calling 911 and
parent, side effects of epinephrine, and the importance of
monitoring the student until help arrives. Remember, even though a
student has been trained to self-administer emergency epinephrine,
in an emergency, they may not be able to do so. An adult must be
trained to assist students with this procedure.
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Maintain a list of students with sever allergic reactions. Copies of
this list should be given to all teacher, administrative school
staff and the school nurse
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School staff should be made aware of 911 procedures.
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Emergency 911 posters should be completed and posted in obvious
locations with current information.
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Periodically, the principal should have the playground, fields and
buildings inspected for beehives, wasp nests and red ant colonies.
These should be properly treated and removed as soon as possible.
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All school-based staff should know that the swarming season for bees
and wasps in South Florida is between October and June. Therefore no
time is a safe time for a student with an allergy to insect stings.
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Caution should be taken with any classroom activities that will use
any bees, wasps or insects.
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Children with severe food allergies should not be given any food
unless you are certain of all ingredients. This includes food sent
to school by parents for classroom parties.
