ASCIA Guidelines for prevention of food anaphylactic reactions in schools, preschools and childcare centres

Anaphylaxis Guidelines for Schools (Second Edition 2006) has been developed to assist school staff to support students at risk of an anaphylactic reaction. The guidelines are designed for use in all government and non-government schools.

This document replaces the set of guidelines on anaphylaxis distributed to schools in 2003. The revision of the guidelines has been informed by the work of the Anaphylaxis Working Party.

The guidelines draw together from many areas expert advice on actions that schools can take to support the health of students at risk of severe and sudden allergic reactions, including reducing the risk of a student being exposed to substances likely to trigger a reaction.

The guidelines focus on an individual health care plan, developed jointly by the principal and the student’s parent, which incorporates information and planned emergency treatment that are relevant to the particular student.

The NSW Department of Education and Training, Catholic Education Commission NSW, Association of Independent Schools NSW and the NSW Department of Health are working collaboratively to assist schools to understand more about the recognition, management and emergency treatment of anaphylaxis. The implementation of these guidelines builds on the excellent support for students at risk of severe allergic reactions currently provided by schools.

ASCIA First Aid for Anaphylaxis

Anaphylaxis is the most severe form of allergic reaction and is potentially life-threatening. It should be treated as a medical emergency, requiring immediate treatment. Most cases of anaphylaxis occur after exposure to an allergen (such as foods, insects or medications) in a person who is already extremely sensitive.

Please see the below fact sheet for first aid treatment of anaphylaxis.