Making sure DD's teachers and school staff are epi-educated...

MrsBeckO

After an accidental tree nut exposure weekend before last, DH and I were scared enough to walk ourselves through our allergy action plan one more time for a refresher. We wanted to make sure both of us remembered exactly what to do and where the meds were kept, how to use the pen, etc (read: *I* wanted to make sure *he* knew)!

That is the closest we have ever come to needing to epi and I am so thankful she didn't need it.. but I am terrified for the potential should there be a next time. So, I wanted to talk with DD's school and make sure anyone who may be in charge of her knows the plan, knows what to look for, all that. I work at her school, so that gives me quite a bit of peace of mind, but in an emergency situation, I don't want them to feel like they have to come get me first because they don't know what to do. Of course, I want to be notified right away - but I want to know that they can jump into action immediately and not waste any time.

I am bringing our trainer epi-pen up there this afternoon (I'm off today) to make sure the 2 principals know how to use it in the event the nurse is not around. I also want to ask to talk to all of her teachers to be sure they know the signs of an allergic reaction.

So my question - does anyone have a link to a website or good video that is brief but explains the signs of a reaction well? I will go over our action plan with them again (which the nurse has a copy of) but I was hoping to SHOW them what signs to look for. Thanks! 

thatsmary

I am a teacher and think it's great that you are doing that. Last year the nurse at the school I worked at did a whole staff (read: teacher/ I hate that they call them staff meetings since not all staff are there) training. She showed a picture of the kid in question (with parent consent) and went over the plan.  This year I had a private training with the nurse for a kid in my class.

WeBelieveInMagic

Are you aware of this group. They provide a lot of useful information. 

 https://www.foodallergy.org/

My son's preschool teacher recommended it to me. He has a dairy sensitivity.

teacherjulie

I am a teacher who had an epi pen child in her class.  Prior to the start mom and I sat down dicusses all issues.  I offered to go and get red cross re-certified to make her feel better.  I also carry an epi pen of my own.  The school I was at did not have a nurse so I was in charge of all his conditions. 

I would be very open with the teacher make sre he/she has an opportunity to ask questions.  For example at that time I did not know there was a difference between nuts and tree nuts.  If an early prevention is benedryl make sure the school has some on hand and has your signed permission on sight.

carlinlp

While I do not like this organization at all, I do think this is helpful:  https://www.foodallergy.org/page/how-a-child-might-describe-a-reaction

FrumiousBandersnatch

carlinlp:

While I do not like this organization at all, I do think this is helpful:  https://www.foodallergy.org/page/how-a-child-might-describe-a-reaction

 

I'm new to this.  Why don't you like this organization?  My allergist referred me to it.  It there misinformation on there?