GSB policy on allergies
Allergy Management Policy
BACKGROUND:
• Allergic reactions are unique to each person, varying from mild or moderate to severe reactions related to exposure to a wide variety of allergens or “triggers”.
• Allergic reactions occur as a result of eating, touching, inhaling, or coming in contact with an allergen.
• The main sources of allergies are: food, medications, insect stings / bites, pollen and latex.
• The risk of accidental exposure to allergens can be reduced in the school setting if the school, parents, and students work together to minimize risks.
• All reactions are taken seriously and treated promptly.
THE CORNERSTONE OF PROVIDING A SAFE AND HEALTHY ENVIRONMENT IS GOOD COMMUNICATION BETWEEN THE STUDENT, FAMILY AND SCHOOL AND EACH FULFILLING THEIR RESPONSIBILITIES.
FAMILY RESPONSIBILITIES:
1. Notify the school nurse and teacher at the beginning of each school year of the student’s allergies or any time when an allergy is identified.
2. Work with the nurse/ teacher to develop an Individualized Health Plan that will accommodate the child’s needs throughout the school. (i.e.: classroom, cafeteria, playground, aftercare programs, school sponsored activities, field trips, and school busses).
3. Provide medical documentation, instructions, and medications as directed by a physician.
4. Replace medications when used and upon expiration.
5. Educate the child in self recognition and management of his/her allergy.
Examples:
- Safe and unsafe foods.
- Strategies for avoiding allergens.
- Know symptoms of allergic reaction.
- Know how to seek help immediately.
- Having the medication with him/her if appropriate.
- Know how to self administer medication (age appropriate).
STUDENT:
1. Know your own specific allergen / triggers.
2. No trading of food with others at any time.
3. Do not eat anything with unknown ingredients or foods suspected to contain the allergen.
4. Notify an adult immediately if you eat or come in contact with the allergen.
5. If prescribed to carry an Epi-Pen, or Inhaler, have it with you and know how
to use it.
SCHOOL(Through the nursing staff):
1. The nurses will review the health records submitted by parents and physicians.
2. Discuss with parent / guardian the need for an individualized health plan and establish it as appropriate.
3. Develop a prevention and intervention plan in conjunction with appropriate school personnel resources.
4. Be proactive in protecting students from offending allergies in the cafeteria, classrooms, and campus.
5.For students with severe allergy care plans, educate “designated” staff to recognize signs and symptoms of allergic reaction, to administer Epi-Pens and take appropriate action in an emergency.
6. Keep rescue medications easily accessible in secure but visible locations relevant to the campus layout, i.e. lower and upper school nurse’s offices.
7. Assure that school bus drivers are trained in symptoms recognition, what to do if reaction occurs, and have communication devices in the event of an emergency.
8. Insure that a properly trained individual accompanies the student on field trips.
* The school will view threats or harassment against an allergic child as a violation of our code of conduct and take appropriate action.
This information may be downloaded as a PDF .
