2.2.7. Severe Life Threatening Allergies

Food and other allergens can trigger severe reactions leading to potentially serious health consequences or anaphylaxis (Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis Network, 2019). Accidental exposure to allergens can happen anywhere, anytime, including the school environment. Because parents/guardians know a students’ medical history better than anyone else, it is imperative that they work closely with their private healthcare provider to provide the school pertinent, timely information about a student’s level of sensitivity and their type and severity of reactions (Ohio Revised Code 3313.719).

To foster the safest possible environment, it is the parent’s responsibility to:

• Submit the Emergency Medical Authorization form, the Medication Permission form, the Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Emergency Plan (FARE) form, and the Student Asthma Action Card (if student has asthma) prior to the first day of school.
• Request a meeting with the building nurse to establish a plan of care prior to the first day of school.
• Deliver Epi-pens and Inhalers to the building nurse prior to the first day of school. For older students in Gr 7-12 who may plan to carry their own Epi-Pen, a second Epi-Pen should be provided to the building nurse per Ohio Revised Code 3313.718. It is strongly recommended a second Inhaler also be provided.
  • Per House Bill 296, enacted by the 2014 General Assembly, CHCA now stocks unlicensed Epinephrine in each building for emergency use during the regular school day while students are on campus. The availability of stock Epinephrine pens is not intended to replace a student’s own prescription. The primary use of the unlicensed Epinephrine is to treat first time, previously undiagnosed anaphylaxis.
• Provide safe snacks for classroom breaks, field trips, class parties and any extra-curricular or athletic events.
• Communicate with all extra-curricular, after-school care, and coaching staff about your student’s treatment plan.
• If Epinephrine is administered during the school day, 911 will be called along with parents so the student can be evaluated by a healthcare provider for any further medical treatment.
  

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