Policy 3420 - Anaphylaxis Prevention And Response

Anaphylaxis is a life-threatening allergic reaction that may involve systems of the entire body. Anaphylaxis is a medical emergency that requires immediate medical treatment and may require follow-up care by an allergist/immunologist.

The Richland School Board of Directors expects school administrators, teachers, and support staff to be informed and aware of life-threatening allergic reactions (anaphylaxis) and how to deal with the resulting medical emergencies. For students, some common life-threatening allergens are peanuts, tree nuts, fish, dairy, bee or other insect stings, latex, and some medications. Affected students require planned care and support during the school day and during school sponsored activities. Additionally, any student could potentially have a life-threatening allergic reaction even without a history of such.

Parents/guardians are responsible for informing the school about their student’s potential risk for anaphylaxis and for ensuring the provision of ongoing health information and necessary medical supplies. The district will take reasonable measures to avoid allergens for affected students. The district will also train all staff in the awareness of anaphylaxis and prepare them to respond to emergencies. Additionally, student specific training will be provided for appropriate personnel. The health plan will be distributed to appropriate staff based on the students’ needs and the staffs’ level of interaction with the student as determined by the health plan.

Even with the district’s best efforts, staff and parents/guardians need to be aware that it is not possible to achieve a completely allergen-free environment. However, the district will take reasonable precautions to reduce the risk of exposure to allergens for a students with history of anaphylaxis.

The superintendent will establish procedures to support this policy and to ensure:

1. Rescue protocol in cases of suspected anaphylaxis will follow OSPI’s current Guidelines for the Care of Students with Anaphylaxis;
2. A simple and standardized format for emergency care plans is utilized;
3. A protocol is in place to ensure emergency care plans are current and completed and distributed to appropriate staff;
4. Medication orders are clear and unambiguous; and
5. Training and documentation is a priority.

Legal References:

Adoption: