Back to School – Safely!

Teach all asthmatic and anaphylactic children to:

• Recognize first symptoms of a reaction or an attack
• Carry medications at all times (or know where they are kept at school)
• Clearly let teachers or caregivers know if symptoms begin
• Take as much responsibility as possible for his or her own safety
• Report bullying or threats immediately to caregivers or teachers
• Be able to utilize some strategies to combat teasing and handle questions

In addition, teach food allergic children to:

• Not share foods or drinks
• Learn the vocabulary needed to explain allergies to others
• Wear a medical alert bracelet (e.g., MedicAlert)
• Practice good food hygiene and frequently wash hands
• Only eat foods approved by parents (for young children)
• Know how to read labels and manage restaurant meals (for older children and teens)

Minimum standards for care at school start with:
Parents -

• Inform the school before school starts
• Supply a physician’s letter detailing the allergy and the emergency protocol
• Supply up-to-date medications and ensure they are accessible
• Enquire about training for staff and communicate about procedures
• Put in place plans for field trips and other special occasions

Administrators -

• Ensure that forms and medical information is up to date and on file
• Post allergy forms in staffroom and office
• Ensure that all staff including lunch room monitors and substitute teachers are trained to recognize and treat anaphylaxis
• Put in place an emergency protocol
• Review procedures regularly and ensure that substitute teachers and new staff are trained and aware of the allergic child’s situation
• Ensure that allergen-safe policies are in effect with respect to meal times and special occasions
• Follow up with the child’s teachers on a regular basis

Teachers -

• Minimize or eliminate classroom allergens
• Take all symptoms of allergy or anaphylaxis seriously; do not “wait and see”
• Encourage frequent hand washing and cleaning of desks
• Communicate with other students and parents about the risks associated with allergies
• Avoid using allergenic foods on special occasions
• Talk to the parents of the allergic child in advance of special events

from Allergy & Asthma News, Issue 3 2005