Ruth Butler

Anaphylaxis

Emergency Treatment In School

Ruth Butler

Ruth Butler

What is anaphylaxis?

• An acute, severe and rapidly developing allergic reaction requiring medical attention.

• It affects the whole body.

• It is life-threatening.

Ruth Butler

Common TriggersFoods Non-Foods

Ruth Butler

Exposure To A Trigger Results In….

• A reaction between the body’s antibodies and the substance (allergen).

• A sudden release of chemical substances, including histamine, from cells in the blood and tissues where they are stored.

• The released chemicals cause:- vasodilation broncho-constrictionincreased capillary permeability.

Ruth Butler

Recognising Anaphylaxis• swelling or itching sensation in throat and mouth• difficulty in swallowing or speaking• breathless, wheeze

• generalised flushing of the skin or pallor and clammy skin • nettle rash (hives) anywhere on the body

• abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting

• sense of impending doom

• alterations in heart rate• sudden feeling of weakness (drop in blood pressure)• collapse and unconsciousness

Some or All of these symptoms may be present.

Ruth Butler

Action

• Keep calm, reassure the student.(they will be agitated and in a state of panic)

• Call an ambulance.(inform them of suspected anaphylaxis)

• Administer Adrenaline (Epi-Pen).(even if you are not sure of diagnosis)

Ruth Butler

Adrenaline

• Reverses swelling

• Relieves asthma symptoms

• Constricts blood vesselsSo increasing the Blood Pressure, which improves blood flow to vital organs.

• Stimulates the heart beat

Ruth Butler

Administering An Epi-Pen

1. Pull off the grey safety cap.

2. Form a fist around the pen.

3. Jab it firmly into the outer thigh so that it “clicks”.

4. Hold it in place for 10 seconds.(Can be administered through light clothing)

5. If no improvement in symptoms after 5mins, give second Epi-Pen.

Ruth Butler

Remember……..

• Any student treated for anaphylaxis must go to hospital, even if they appear to have recovered.

• Report details of incident to ambulance staff and give them the used pens.

• Notify next-of-kin at earliest opportunity.

Ruth Butler

Responsibilities

• Students known to be at risk from anaphylaxis should have at least one Epi-Pen in school.

• Epi-Pens expire after 2 years. They are prescribed by the student’s GP.

• Epi-Pens must be available at all times, preferably kept with the student.

• Students with severe allergies (and other medical conditions) should have a Health Care Plan which is agreed between the school and the parent/carer.

Ruth Butler

Questions?