EPI PEN Training

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EPI PEN Training
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WHAT IS A FOOD ALLERGY?

• Over-Reaction in the body to a food
• Release of chemical called HISTAMINE
• Triggers reactions in body

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Types of Reactions

• Skin
• Rash
• Itching
• Hives
• Respiratory
• Coughing
• Hard to breathe
• Wheezing

• Stomach
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Stomach pain
• Heart
• Blood pressure drops
• Heartbeat changes
• Shock

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ANAPHYLAXIS

• May occur after exposure to an allergen
• Collection of symptoms affecting multiple systems
  in the body
• May be LIFE THREATENING

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Symptoms of Anaphylaxis

• Hives
• Vomiting
• Itching
• Diarrhea
• Swelling
• Red Watery Eyes
• Change of Voice
• Runny Nose
• Sense of Doom

• Coughing
• Wheezing
• Dizziness
• Flushed Pale Skin
• Blueness of Lips/Mouth
• Hard to Breath
• Throat Closing
• Fainting/Not Conscious

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Nut Allergy

• Peanuts
• Tree Nuts(sunflower seeds, coconuts)
• Poppy Seeds
• Peanut Butter
• Peanut Oils
• Any Foods containing Nut Oil

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Prevention of Allergic Reaction

• No Sharing of Food
• Proper hand-washing
• Tables must be cleaned with soap/water if food
  has been in contact
• Designate a Peanut-free area in classroom
  cafeteria
• Prevent Cross-Contamination

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Cross Contamination

• May occur when cooking/serving different foods
  with same utensils and surfaces
• When wiping down surfaces uses disposable wipes
  or paper towels

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Epinephrine / EPI PEN

• Medication
• Used for treatment in Life Threatening Allergic
  response
• Relaxes the muscles in airways
• Tightens blood vessels

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Side Effects of Epinephrine

• Upset Stomach
• Vomiting
• Sweating
• Dizziness
• Nervousness
• Weakness

• Pale Skin
• Headache
• Hand Tremors
• Increased Heart Rate
• Increased Blood Pressure

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EMERGENCY PLAN

• REMAIN CALM
• Teacher will alert main office via intercom
• Office will notify school RN and person(s)
  trained in use of EPI-PEN
• Call 911
• Retrieve Epi-Pen
• Identify Student by 1st and last name

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Emergency Plan, Continued

• Check Label on EPI Pen for name expiration date
• Administer EPI-PEN on outer part of thigh
• Remain with Child until help arrives
• In the event of cardiac or respiratory distress,
  begin CPR

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EPI PEN Administration

• Put on Gloves
• Hold EPI PEN in fist with orange tip pointing
  downwards Pull off BLUE safety release.
• Hold ORANGE tip near outside part of thigh
• Swing and jab firmly into outer thigh until you
  hear/feel click90 degree angle

• Hold in place and count slowly to 10
• Remove EPI PEN
• If Needle is not showingREPEAT the Above Steps
• Massage the injection area for 10 seconds
• Give EPI PEN to EMTs when they arrive

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Following Incident

• Important to discuss incident with students
• School team will discuss specifics with goals for
  prevention of further episodes
• Epi-Pen Administration form must be completed and
  faxed to Health Services(635-8027)

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Field Trips

• Pre-Planning
• Invite family member
• Must allow time for scheduling
• Meal planning
• Designate trained school staff to accompany
  student
• Bring Emergency Kit
• Bring Cell Phone, Allergy Action Plan, and
  Contact Information

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Questions

• What is an allergic reaction?
• What is Anaphylaxis?
• What signs of Anaphylaxis?
• What is Epinephrine?
• Explain/Demonstrate how to give EPI PEN
• Explain Emergency Procedure