Treating an allergic reaction

The following flowchart summarises the symptoms of an allergic reaction, and the steps to take in managing a reaction, irrespective of whether the child is in school or somewhere else:

*Adrenaline auto-injectors (AAI) are prescribed to those at risk of a severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis). You should administer the child’s own AAI if readily available. Schools which hold a “spare” AAI device can use that if available, but only in a child where:

• the school has a care plan confirming that the child is at risk of anaphylaxis
• the child has been prescribed AAI or a healthcare professional has authorised use of a spare AAI in that child
• the child’s parent/guardian has also provided consent.

Mild-moderate symptoms:

• Generally respond to antihistamine medicines given by mouth.
• The pupil does not normally need to be sent home from school, or require urgent medical attention.
• Although most mild reactions resolve, occasionally they can worsen and turn into anaphylaxis: anyone having a mild-moderate (non-anaphylaxis) reaction should be monitored (e.g. in the first aid area) for any progression in symptoms.
• Younger children may find it difficult to explain how they feel during a reaction.

Anaphylaxis

Anaphylaxis usually occurs together with more mild symptoms of an allergic reaction (such as an itchy mouth or skin rash), but can also happen on its own without any mild signs being present. Always give adrenaline FIRST (before other medicines such as inhalers) in someone with known food allergy who has sudden-onset breathing difficulties – even if there are no skin symptoms.

In there are any ABC symptoms of anaphylaxis present, then administer an adrenaline auto-injector without delay:

Outside hospital, adrenaline can be safely given by parents, teachers and other non-healthcare workers into the mid-thigh muscle using an adrenaline auto-injector (AAI). Current brands available in the UK are EpiPen®, Emerade®, Jext®.

IF IN DOUBT, GIVE ADRENALINE

A dose of adrenaline administered with an AAI into the outer mid-thigh muscle is safe and can be lifesaving.

School staff can administer either the pupil’s own AAI if available, or use the “spare” AAI, so long as the necessary consents are in place. If a child does not have an Individualised Healthcare Plan which includes both medical approval and consent from a parent/guardian, the school cannot administer the “spare” AAI. Parents therefore have a responsibility to ensure they provide the school with the required approvals. The British Society for Allergy and Clinical Immunology (BSACI) has produced a range of Allergy Plans which can be used for this purpose, and can be downloaded here.

After giving the AAI:

• Do NOT move the child. Standing someone up with anaphylaxis can trigger cardiac arrest. Bring the AAI to the pupil, not the other way round.
• Provide reassurance. The child should lie down with their legs raised (if the student is pregnant, lie on their left hand side). If breathing is difficult, allow the child to sit.
• Note the time the AAI was given.

ALWAYS DIAL 999 AND REQUEST AN AMBULANCE IF AN AAI IS USED

• Use the AAI first, then dial 999 – even if the child is feeling better. A person receiving an adrenaline injection should always be taken to hospital for monitoring afterwards.
• When dialling 999, say that the person is suffering from anaphylaxis (“ANA-FIL-AX-IS”).
• Give clear and precise directions to the emergency operator, including the postcode of your location.

Give a second dose of adrenaline if the child’s condition does not improve 5 to 10 minutes later:

• Use another AAI device – AAI devices are single-use only. This can be the child’s own device, or the school’s “spare” AAI.
• If a second dose is given, call the emergency services again to confirm that an ambulance has been dispatched.

When the paramedics arrive, tell them:

• if the child is known to have an allergy
• what might have caused this reaction e.g. recent food eaten
• the time the AAI was given.

If a child has an allergic reaction at school, the school should:

• Call their parent/guardian/carer (these details should be on the pupil’s allergy plan)
• Note in the school’s records where and when the REACTION took place (e.g. PE lesson, playground, classroom), how much medicine was given, and by whom.