Emergency Preparedness + Response

In case of an allergic reaction:

emergency lights

For an allergic reaction, contact the school nurse or school nurse designee immediately AND refer to the child’s Emergency Care Plan (ECP)/Food Allergy Action Plan (FAAP) if immediately available.

If anaphylaxis does occur or the ECP/FAAP direction states, the person with the child shall:

  • Inject epinephrine immediately
  • Call 911
  • Remain with the student and stay calm – have second dose readily available
  • Place the student in a reclining position, raise legs and do not move them
  • Contact parents/guardians/emergency contacts

To prepare for a future emergency:

  • Get child’s emergency contact information
  • Get child’s emergency care plan/Food Allergy Action Plan (FAAP)
  • Get medication from parents/guardians
  • Have stock supply of epinephrine auto-injectors if your state allows

    Note: There are an increasing number of severe reactions in students with undiagnosed LTFA (see FAME manual for details on undiagnosed LTFA)

  • Contact your local Emergency Medical Services (EMS)
    • Inform that a child has life-threatening food allergy (LTFA)
    • Is epinephrine carried on ambulance
  • Education and Training
    • Know signs and symptoms of anaphylaxis
    • Review how to use epinephrine auto-injector
    • Have emergency medication readily available in a secure accessible area. Have a second dose readily available along with permission for non-licensed trained personnel to give. See Emergency Care Plan (ECP)/Food Allergy Action Plan (FAAP).
    • Know expiration date
    • Instructions on how to use the Generic Adrenaclick® epinephrineautoinject.com
    • Generic Adrenaclick® Skills Test
    • Instructions on how to use the Auvi-QTM auvi-q.com
    • Auvi-QTM Skills Test
    • Instructions on how to use an EpiPen®epipen.com
    • EpiPen® Skills Test
  • Develop an emergency response plan and team
    • Develop a plan for school, home, and community
    • Emergency Shelter-In-place plan (disaster plan)
    • Have safe foods available for students with life-threatening food allergies
  • Do emergency drills
    • Date completed
    • Frequency
    • Completed by