Background

The District is committed to providing safe, inclusive and welcoming learning and working environments for students, staff and visitors.

Anaphylaxis is a sudden and potentially life-threatening allergic reaction that requires immediate recognition and emergency response. While the District cannot guarantee an allergen-free environment, reasonable measures will be taken to reduce the risk of exposure to known allergens and to support students at risk of anaphylaxis.

The successful management of anaphylaxis requires a shared commitment among students, families, school staff, health care professionals, and community partners. Consistent with provincial requirements for anaphylaxis management in schools, this Administrative Procedure establishes processes for identifying students at risk of anaphylaxis, reducing exposure to allergens, and responding to emergencies.

Guiding Principles

• Student safety, well-being, dignity, and inclusion are paramount.
• Students at risk of anaphylaxis are entitled to participate fully in school life.
• Prevention, awareness, and preparedness are essential components of anaphylaxis management.
• Effective anaphylaxis management relies on collaboration among students, families, school staff and health care providers.
• Epinephrine is the first-line treatment for anaphylaxis and must be administered promptly when an anaphylactic reaction is suspected.
• While allergen avoidance strategies are important, the District cannot guarantee allergen-free environments

Definitions:

Anaphylaxis – A severe and potentially life-threatening allergic reaction that requires immediate medical attention.

Allergen – A substance that can trigger an allergic reaction, including but not limited to foods, insect venom, medications, and latex.

Epinephrine Device: A prescribed epinephrine product used for emergency treatment of anaphylaxis, including an epinephrine auto-injector or an approved nasal epinephrine device.

Student Anaphylaxis Emergency Action Plan – An individualized plan outlining a student’s allergens, symptoms, medication requirements, emergency response procedures, and emergency contacts.

Procedures:

1. Identification of Students at Risk of Anaphylaxis

1.1 Parents/guardians must notify the school when a student has been diagnosed as being at risk of anaphylaxis.

1.2 Information regarding a student’s identified anaphylactic allergies shall be documented in accordance with AP 316: Student Health and Medical Supports and applicable student record requirements. Information relating to the student’s specific allergies shall form part of the student’s Permanent Student Record.

1.3 Students at risk of anaphylaxis are encouraged to wear medical identification such as a Medic Alert bracelet or necklace.

2. Student Anaphylaxis Emergency Action Plans

2.1 In addition to the requirements outlined in AP 316, each student identified as being at risk of anaphylaxis shall have a Student Anaphylaxis Emergency Action Plan.

2.2 The Student Anaphylaxis Emergency Action Plan shall:

a. Identify known allergies;

b. Identify symptoms of an allergic reaction;

c. Include prescribed medications and dosage instructions;

d. Identify emergency response procedures;

e. Include emergency contact information; and

f. Identify the location of the student’s epinephrine device.

2.3 The Student Anaphylaxis Emergency Action Plan shall be reviewed annually and whenever there is a change in the student’s medical condition, treatment or emergency response requirements. The plan shall be developed and reviewed in collaboration with the parent/guardian and, where appropriate, the student, and shall be approved by the student’s physician or allergist in accordance with provincial and District requirements.

2.4 The Principal shall ensure the Student Anaphylaxis Emergency Action Plan is accessible to employees and others who may reasonably be expected to supervise the student.

 

3. Epinephrine device

3.1 Students shall be supported in carrying and self-administering prescribed epinephrine -device in accordance with their age, developmental level, abilities, medical advice, and individual health plan.

3.2 Where required in the student’s Anaphylaxis Emergency Action Plan, a backup epinephrine device shall be stored in a designated, readily accessible and unlocked location.

3.3 Parents/guardians are responsible for providing prescribed epinephrine devices and replacing expired or used medication.

3.4 The Principal and appropriate staff shall ensure that the location of student epinephrine -devices are known to appropriate staff members involved in the student’s care.

4. Emergency Response Procedures

4.1 When an anaphylactic reaction is suspected:

a. Administer epinephrine immediately;

b. Call 911;

c. If possible, contact the parent/guardian or emergency contact;

d. Administer a second dose of epinephrine, monitor and give a second dose of epinephrine as early as 5 minutes after the first dose if there is no improvement in symptoms;

e. Ensure the student is transported to hospital, ideally by ambulance; and

f. If the parent/guardian or emergency contact has not already been notified, contact them as soon as practicable after emergency response procedures have been initiated.

4.2 Epinephrine is the first-line treatment for anaphylaxis and should be administered without delay when anaphylaxis is suspected

4.3 Antihistamines or asthma medications are not substitutes for epinephrine in the treatment of anaphylaxis.

4.4 The Principal shall ensure appropriate emergency response procedures are in place for field trips, extracurricular activities, and other off-site school activities.

5. Authority to Administer Epinephrine

5.1 In an emergency, employees who have received anaphylaxis response training may administer an epinephrine -device to a student identified as being at risk of anaphylaxis.

5.2 Where a student has been identified as being at risk of anaphylaxis and an epinephrine – device has been supplied to the school, employees may administer the medication in an emergency, notwithstanding that required documentation or consents have not yet been completed.

5.3 For students not previously identified as being at risk of anaphylaxis, staff shall follow the above emergency response procedures as appropriate, including calling 911 immediately.

6. Prevention and Allergy Awareness

Schools shall promote an allergy-aware environment through reasonable measures intended to reduce exposure to known allergens while supporting student inclusion and participation.

Strategies may include:

a. Communication with families regarding allergen concerns;

b. Age-appropriate education regarding severe allergies;

c. Promotion of hand hygiene and safe food practices;

d. Discouraging the sharing of food, beverages, utensils, and containers;

e. Ensuring safe food protocols are established for school events that may involve the sharing or distribution of food;

f. Reinforcing school expectations that promote a safe, respectful, and inclusive learning environment for students with severe allergies, including responding to actions that create risk, exclusion, or harm.

7. Training

The District, in collaboration with the Principal, shall ensure that employees and other individuals who may reasonably be expected to supervise students receive annual training regarding anaphylaxis management.

Training shall include:

a. Recognition of the signs and symptoms of anaphylaxis;

b) Awareness of common allergens;

c) Prevention, avoidance and risk-reduction strategies;

d) Emergency response procedures;

e) Proper use of epinephrine -devices;

f) Identification of students at risk of anaphylaxis;

g) Responsibilities related to Student Anaphylaxis Emergency Action Plans; and

h) Communication and awareness strategies for students, parents/guardians, employees, volunteers and others who may reasonably be expected to supervise students.

I)Where possible, training shall include opportunities to practice administering epinephrine using training devices.

8. Reporting and Review

8.1 Following an anaphylactic incident requiring the administration of epinephrine, the Principal and appropriate staff shall complete required incident documentation and report the incident to the Superintendent or designate.

8.2 The District shall maintain and report aggregate information regarding anaphylactic students and anaphylactic incidents in accordance with provincial requirements

8.3 The Principal, in collaboration with District staff, shall conduct a post-incident review and debrief, as appropriate, to identify opportunities to strengthen prevention, communication, training, and emergency response procedures, and ensure trauma-informed support is available to students and staff affected by the incident.

 

September 2026