Life-Threatening Allergies

Life-threatening allergy management in school requires a team effort from the student, parent/guardian, healthcare provider, school nurse and school staff. As a result, the risk of severe allergy reactions in the school setting can be reduced, and a safer educational environment can be provided for students with life-threatening allergies.

Responsibilities

Parent/Guardian

Inform the school nurse/school administrator of your child’s allergies before school starts or as soon as the diagnosis is made.
Provide written medical documentation, instructions, and medications, as directed by a physician, to the school nurse each school year. All food allergies must be verified by documentation from a physician, nurse practitioner or physician assistant.
Provide properly labeled medications each school year and replace medications after use or upon expiration.
Work with the school team to develop an individual plan that accommodates the child during school.
Provide age appropriate education to your child in the self management of his/her allergies. It is important that students take more responsibility for their food allergies as they grow older and are developmentally ready to accept responsibility.
Provide accurate emergency contact information and update as necessary.
Notify the school nurse or designee of any change in your child’s allergy status or if any reaction occurs outside of school.
Provide all supplies and equipment necessary for implementing your child’s Life-Threatening Allergy Management Plan (LAMP). Replenish supplies as needed.
Consider a medical alert bracelet for your child.

Student

Learn to recognize symptoms of an allergic reaction and notify school staff immediately if a reaction is suspected or they believe they may have come in contact with their allergen.
Take as much responsibility as possible to prevent an exposure to allergens based on their developmental level.
Do not trade or share food with others.
Understand the care and management of their allergies and reactions based on their developmental level.
Wash hands before and after eating food/snacks.
Know where the Epi-pen /Twinject is located and who has access to medication.
Report teasing, bullying and threats to school personnel.
Understand school policy and procedure to self-carry epinephrine auto-injector, if appropriate.
Self-advocate in situations that they perceive as compromising their health.

Healthcare Provider

Complete and sign a Life-Threatening Allergy Management Plan (LAMP) for the student prior to the beginning of each school year or anytime an update is needed.
Assess student’s ability to self-carry and if appropriate then complete and sign the Part 3 Permission to Carry and/or Self-Administer Epinephrine. Serve as a resource for school nurses and staff regarding proper care of the student’s allergies.

In This Section

Elementary School

Middle School

High School

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