131 / 138
131
DoDEA School Health Services Manual 2942.0 Volume 1 Revised: 2016 DRAFT
I-11
Anaphylaxis, What School Personnel Need to Know
Information obtained from Emergent Anaphylaxis Protocol Mandated for all DoD Schools:
Emergency Response to Systemic Allergic Reactions - Anaphylaxis
General information
Anaphylaxis is a rare and extremely serious form of allergic reaction that may occur in
persons not previously known to be allergic or hypersensitive. The reaction ranges from mild,
self-limited symptoms to rapid death. Immediate action may be required to prevent fatality.
Causes-extreme sensitivity to one or more of the following:
•
Insect sting, usually bee or wasp
•
Food or pollen
•
Medication or immunizations/vaccinations
•
Industrial or office chemicals or their vapors
•
Latex
Anaphylactic Symptoms of Body Systems:
Any of the symptoms may occur within seconds. The more immediate the
reactions, the more severe the reaction may become. Any of the symptoms present
require several hours of monitoring.
•
Skin:
warmth, itching, and/or tingling of underarms/groin, flushing, hives
•
Abdominal:
pain, nausea and vomiting, diarrhea
•
Oral/Respiratory:
sneezing, swelling of face (lips, mouth, tongue, throat),
lump or tightness in the throat, hoarseness, difficulty inhaling, shortness of
breath, decrease in peak flow meter reading, wheezing reaction
•
Cardiovascular:
headache, low blood pressure (shock), lightheadedness,
fainting, loss of consciousness, rapid heart rate, ventricular fibrillation (no
pulse)
•
Mental status:
apprehension, anxiety, restlessness, irritability
Emergency Protocol for school personnel
1.
Summon school nurse if available. If not, summon designated trained, non-
medical staff to implement emergency protocol
2.
State the name of the person who needs assistance (if a student or staff
member), the location, and what difficulties/symptoms they are experiencing.
3.
DO NOT move the person. Help will come to your location.
4.
Keep the person calm and help to a comfortable position.