3420 – Anaphylaxis Prevention and Response
Anaphylaxis is a life-threatening allergic reaction that may involve systems of the entire body. Anaphylaxis is a medical emergency that may require immediate medical treatment and follow-up care by an allergist/immunologist.
The NWESD 189 board of directors expects school administrators, teachers, and support staff to be informed and aware of life threatening allergic reactions (anaphylaxis) and how to deal with the resulting medical emergencies. For students, some common life threatening allergens are peanuts, tree nuts, fish, dairy, bee or other insect stings, latex, and some medications. Affected students require planned care and support during their program day and during program sponsored activities. Additionally, any student could potentially have a life-threatening allergic reaction even without a history of such.
Parents/guardians are responsible for informing the NWESD 189 program about their student’s potential risk for anaphylaxis and for ensuring the provision of ongoing health information and necessary medical supplies. The NWESD 189 will take reasonable measures to avoid allergens for affected students. The NWESD 189 will also train all staff in the awareness of anaphylaxis and prepare them to respond to emergencies. Additionally, student specific training will be provided for appropriate personnel. Additionally, student specific training will be provided for appropriate personnel. The student’s emergency care plan shall be distributed to appropriate staff based on the students’ needs and the staffs’ level of interaction with the student as determines in the health plan.
Even with the NWESD 189’s best efforts, staff and parents/guardians need to be aware that it is not possible to achieve a completely allergen-free environment. However, the NWESD 189 will take reasonable precautions to reduce the risk of exposure to allergens for students with a history of anaphylaxis.
The Superintendent will establish procedures to support this policy and to ensure:
- Rescue protocol in cases of suspected anaphylaxis will follow the Office of the Superintendent for Public Instruction’s (OSPI’s) current Guidelines for the Care of Students with Anaphylaxis;
- A simple and standardized format for emergency care plans is utilized;
- A protocol is in place to ensure emergency care plans are current and completed and distributed to appropriate staff;
- Medication orders are clear and unambiguous; and,
- Training and documentation is a priority.
First Reading: 03/25/09
Second Reading: 04/22/09
Revised: 10/24/12
Revised: 09/27/18
Revised: 02/24/25
Reference:
RCW 28A.210.383
RCW 28A.210.380
WAC 392-380
Cross Reference:
Policy 3419
Policy 3418
Policy 3416
Date Revised: 2/24/25