507.11 Stock Epinephrine

STUDENTS

507.11 - STOCK EPINEPHRINE

The WACO Community School District will implement a protocol to respond to life-threatening allergic reactions (anaphylaxis). The school will maintain the medication necessary to apply the protocol in each building of the school district. This protocol would apply to any individual present (student, staff, visitor, etc.) in the facility both while school is in session and during any school-sponsored extracurricular activities.

The district nurse and all trained and authorized personnel may administer an epinephrine auto-injector from the school’s supply to any individual if reasonably and in good faith believes the person is having an anaphylactic reaction. Individuals authorized to administer the epinephrine will complete appropriate training and be signed off by the district nurse annually.

The district will obtain and keep on file a prescription and standing order for the stock epinephrine, both pediatric and adult doses, from a licensed healthcare professional. A new prescription must be obtained annually.

The district will store the epinephrine auto-injectors in a secured, room temperature area that remains accessible in an emergency within each school building. The medication will be checked monthly to ensure stability and effectiveness by the school nurse.

In the event the epinephrine is used, the “Report of Stock Epinephrine Administration” form will be filled out and submitted to the state of Iowa.

ANAPHYLAXIS EMERGENCY TREATMENT PROTOCOL

Anaphylaxis is a medical emergency that requires immediate medical attention and can be fatal if not treated. Some students, staff, and/or visitors are at an increased risk for anaphylaxis because of known allergies. However, some individuals with unknown allergies may experience their first anaphylactic reaction while at school as allergens can develop any time during a person’s life.

All students with a known history of anaphylaxis or any severe allergies should have a specific emergency action plan on file and their own auto-injector of epinephrine at school. For these individuals follow their specific action plan.

For any person without a known allergy take the following steps:

For ANY of the following SEVERE symptoms:

LUNGS: shortness of breath, wheezing, repetitive coughing
HEART: pale or blue color, faint, weak pulse, dizziness
THROAT: tightness, hoarseness, trouble breathing or swallowing
MOUTH: significant swelling of the tongue and/or lips
SKIN: widespread hives or redness
GUT: repetitive vomiting or severe diarrhea
PSYCHOLOGICAL: feeling of impending doom, anxiety, confusion

Steps:                                     

  1. INJECT EPINEPHRINE IMMEDIATELY
  2. Call 911. Tell the dispatcher the person is having anaphylaxis.
  3. Lay the person flat, raise legs, and keep warm. If breathing is difficult or they are vomiting, let them sit up or lie on their side.
  4. If symptoms do not improve or worsen within 5 minutes, give 2nd injection.

Epinephrine doses:

0.15mg IM for 55 pounds or less
0.30mg IM for 55 pounds or more

Legal Reference:         Iowa Code §§ 135.185; 279.8

                                    281 I.A.C. 14.3.

                                    641 I.A.C. 7.

Cross Reference:        507    Student Health and Well-Being

Approved:         5/17/2021         

Reviewed:                  

Revised: