EpiPen Training Module:

Transcription

1 EpiPen Training Module: Managing Life Threatening Allergies Chelmsford Public Schools September, 2016

2 Purpose To provide basic knowledge and skill to unlicensed school personnel to administer epinephrine by auto-injector in the event of a life-threatening situation to students with known allergic conditions.

3 Objectives Upon completion participants will be able to demonstrate the following: Identify common causes of an allergic reaction Recognize general and student specific warning signs of an allergic emergency Accurately identify students for whom the epinephrine is prescribed Accurately read and interpret the emergency medication administration plan Correctly follow directions on the medication administration plan

4 Objectives, cntd. Accurately read the epinephrine label and follow directions from label Safely administer and handle epinephrine by autoinjector Accurately describe the school s plan for responding to emergencies Access resources appropriately, including emergency medical services, school nurse, parent and physician.

5 Anaphylaxis It is a potentially life-threatening medical condition commonly caused by exposure of an individual to a specific allergen or allergens. Most individuals react within an hour of exposure but anaphylaxis can occur rapidly or up to two hours after exposure.

6 Common Causes of Allergic Reactions Food Allergies Peanuts, tree nuts, egg, dairy products, shell fish, soybean, wheat, and corn Insect Venom Bee stings Latex Medication Antibiotics

7 Other Causes Exposure to the cold Exercise

8 Signs and Symptoms of an Allergic Reaction Hives Vomiting Itching Diarrhea Swelling Stomach cramps Red, watery eyes Runny nose Coughing Flushed, pale skin, cyanotic (bluish) lips and mouth area Change of voice Difficulty breathing, shortness of breath Throat tightness or closing Sense of doom Itchy, scratch lips, tongue, mouth, and/or throat Fainting or loss of consciousness Dizziness, change in mental status

9 Review Each Student s Individual Health Care Plan Before an Emergency Occurs The following information is necessary on each plan in order to properly respond during an emergency: The correct student name/info The correct medication The correct dosage The correct route The correct time

10 How to use Adrenaclick Remove the GRAY cap labeled 1. Never put thumb, finger, or hand over RED tip. Remove the GRAY cap labeled 2. Place RED tip on the middle of outer side of the thigh. Press down hard until the needle penetrates the skin and slowly count to 10 before removing the pen. Call 911 after administering the Adrenaclick

11 Administration of the EpiPen Pull of the blue safety release Form a fist around the unit with orange tip down. Hold orange tip near outer thigh. Swing and firmly push orange tip against outer thigh at a 90 degree angle and listen for a click. Hold firmly in thigh for 10 seconds so that all the medication is delivered. Call 911: the effects of the injection begin to wear off minutes after injection. Immediate activation of the emergency medical system is essential. Please note EpiPens and Twinject come in 2 different dosages 0.3mg(adult) and 0.15mg(jr). 11

12 Actions if You Suspect Anaphylaxis When anaphylaxis is suspected and there is not an EpiPen immediately available: Call 911 Have the person lay down, except if having severe respiratory distress Raise the person s legs

13 Care and Storage of Epinephrine Keep readily available at all times! Storage: In a dark place at room temperature (59-86 F) Do NOT refrigerate Do NOT expose to extreme cold or heat Protect from light Check clear window of auto-injector for discoloration (should be clear and colorless)

14 Responsibilities of the Classroom Teacher/Specialist Review your responsibilities in Managing Life Threatening Food Allergies in Schools. Avoid allergens in the classroom, especially for projects and classroom celebrations. Avoid food rewards. When this is not an option, include the parent of the student with the allergy in the planning of the activity. Have the student s Allergy Plan readily available (for substitutes as well). Be prepared for field trips.

15 Resources Video on administering an EpiPen: Managing Life Threatening Food Allergies in Schools: Auvi-Q:

16 Thank you for participating in our EpiPen Training module