3420: Anaphylaxis Prevention

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 follow-up care by an allergist/immunologist.

The Bellevue 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, 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.

The district will develop and follow an individual health plan for each student who has life threatening allergies. Each individual health care plan will include an individual emergency plan element. The health plans will be updated annually, and more frequently as needed.

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.

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 precautions to reduce the risk of a student having an anaphylactic reaction by developing strategies to minimize the presence of allergens in schools.

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

1. Rescue protocol in cases of suspected anaphylaxis will follow OSPI’s Guidelines for the Care of Students with Anaphylaxis (2009);
2. A simple and standardized format for individual health plans is utilized.
3. A protocol is in place to ensure emergency care plans are current and completed;
4. Medication orders are clear and unambiguous;
5. Training and documentation is a priority.

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Cross References

• Board Policy 2161 Special Education and Related Services for Eligible Students
• 2162 Education of Students with Disabilities Under Section 504
• 3419 Self-Administration of Asthma and Anaphylaxis Medications

Legal References

• RCW 28A.210.380 Anaphylaxis – Policy Guidelines – Procedures – Reports

Management Resources

• Policy News, August 2012 Anaphylaxis Prevention and Response
• Policy News, February 2009 Anaphylaxis Prevention Policy Required OSPI, March 2009Guidelines for the Care of Students with Anaphylaxis