EPI PEN Training WHAT IS A FOOD ALLERGY

EPI PEN Training

WHAT IS A FOOD ALLERGY? n n n Over-Reaction in the body to a food Release of chemical called HISTAMINE Triggers reactions in body

Types of Reactions n Skin n n Rash Itching Hives Respiratory n n Coughing Hard to breathe Wheezing Stomach n n Vomiting Diarrhea Stomach pain Heart n n n Blood pressure drops Heartbeat changes Shock

ANAPHYLAXIS n n n May occur after exposure to an allergen Collection of symptoms affecting multiple systems in the body May be LIFE THREATENING

Symptoms of Anaphylaxis n n n n n Hives Vomiting Itching Diarrhea Swelling Red Watery Eyes Change of Voice Runny Nose Sense of Doom n n n n Coughing Wheezing Dizziness Flushed Pale Skin Blueness of Lips/Mouth Hard to Breath Throat Closing Fainting/Not Conscious

Nut Allergy n n n Peanuts Tree Nuts(sunflower seeds, coconuts) Poppy Seeds Peanut Butter Peanut Oils Any Foods containing Nut Oil

Prevention of Allergic Reaction n n No Sharing of Food Proper hand-washing Tables must be cleaned with soap/water if food has been in contact Designate a Peanut-free area in classroom + cafeteria Prevent Cross. Contamination

Cross Contamination n n May occur when cooking/serving different foods with same utensils and surfaces When wiping down surfaces uses disposable wipes or paper towels

Epinephrine / EPI PEN n n Medication Used for treatment in Life Threatening Allergic response Relaxes the muscles in airways Tightens blood vessels

Side Effects of Epinephrine n n n Upset Stomach Vomiting Sweating Dizziness Nervousness Weakness n n n Pale Skin Headache Hand Tremors Increased Heart Rate Increased Blood Pressure

EMERGENCY PLAN 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. REMAIN CALM Teacher will alert main office via intercom Office will notify school RN and person(s) trained in use of EPI-PEN Call “ 911” Retrieve Epi-Pen Identify Student by 1 st and last name

Emergency Plan, Continued n n Check Label on EPI Pen for name + expiration date Administer EPI-PEN on outer part of thigh Remain with Child until help arrives In the event of cardiac or respiratory distress, begin CPR

EPI PEN Administration n n Put on Gloves Hold EPI PEN in fist with orange tip pointing downwards Pull off BLUE safety release. Hold ORANGE tip near outside part of thigh Swing and jab firmly into outer thigh until you hear/feel click=90 degree angle n n n Hold in place and count slowly to 10 Remove EPI PEN If Needle is not showing: REPEAT the Above Steps Massage the injection area for 10 seconds Give EPI PEN to EMT’s when they arrive

Following Incident n n n Important to discuss incident with students School team will discuss specifics with goals for prevention of further episodes Epi-Pen Administration form must be completed and faxed to Health Services(635 -8027)

Field Trips n Pre-Planning n n n Invite family member Must allow time for scheduling Meal planning Designate trained school staff to accompany student Bring Emergency Kit Bring Cell Phone, Allergy Action Plan, and Contact Information

Questions: n n n What is an allergic reaction? What is Anaphylaxis? What signs of Anaphylaxis? What is Epinephrine? Explain/Demonstrate how to give EPI PEN Explain Emergency Procedure