​​Guidelines for Parents of Children with Life Threatening Allergic Reactions (Anaphylaxis)

Anaphylaxis is a serious allergic reaction that can be life threatening; it requires avoidance strategies and immediate response in the event of an emergency.  An Act to Protect Anaphylactic Pupils: Sabrina's Law came into effect on January 1, 2006. This law ensures all school boards have policies or procedures in place to address anaphylaxis in schools, which includes providing instruction to staff and guidance on the administration of medication.

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At every Peel school, we maintain an up to date file of current information about each student who has an anaphylactic allergy and establish an individual plan for each student who has a life threatening allergy.  The following guidelines were developed to support parents, in partnership with schools, in creating a safe environment for their children with anaphylactic allergies.

Prior to a school staff member administering any form of medication during school hours, the consent of the student's parents or guardians or adult student, in combination with the written medical directions of the student's physician, must be on record.  In case of an emergency situation, school staff are authoriz​ed to administer an epinephrine auto-injector (EpiPen) to a student without the written consent of the student's physician and parent or guardian or adult student.

The Peel District School Board recognizes that there are students within in our schools who are susceptible to severe anaphylactic reactions. Such an allergic reaction can be life threatening. School staff and parents are responsible for creating safe and healthy environments for all students.  While it is impossible to create a risk-free environment, school staff and parents can take important steps to minimize potentially fatal allergic reactions.

Although peanut products are the leading cause of food-induced anaphylaxis, additional products may trigger this type of allergic reaction as well. The exposure of even trace amounts of an allergen can cause a student with severe allergies to experience anaphylaxis.

Young children are at the greatest risk of exposure, but more deaths occur among teenagers.

Life-threatening allergic reactions can be triggered by:

• Foods
• Insect Bites
• Cosmetics/Scents
• Medications
• Exercise
• Latex

Responsibilities of the parents/guardians of a student with a severe allergy:​

• Arrange a meeting prior to the student attending school to inform school administration of your child's life-threatening allergies
• Provide the school with physician's instructions for administering medication by completing ​this form and the Allergy Alert Emergency Plan
• Elementary students…provide the school with up-to-date injection kits (EpiPens), and keep them current.
• Secondary students…ensure your child carries an up-to-date injection kit (EpiPen)
• Provide the school with any updated information including emergency contacts and telephone numbers and changes in medical conditions
• Provide support and information to the school and teachers as requested
• Provide your child with a Medic Alert identification bracelet
• In the case of food allergy, provide non-perishable foods and safe snacks for special occasions
• For excursions, consider participating in field trips

Teach your child:

1. to recognize the first symptoms of an anaphylactic reaction, and inform an adult immediately;
   
2. to carry their own auto-injector in a container at all times when they are at school ​ (e.g., fanny pack,​ or for secondary students, the outside pocket of a knapsack);
   
3. strategies to avoid allergy triggers;
   
4. to eat only the snacks, foods, drinks brought from home;
   
5. to wash their hands before and after eating or using a shared space; to assume as much responsibility as possible for his/her own safety.
   

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