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Capital Region BOCES Substitute Coordination Service
Please read the following material dealing with food allergies.
Where Life-threatening
Allergies are Concerned,
There is no Substitute for Being Informed
The
incidence of severe allergic reactions has been rising at an
alarming rate, especially food allergies, and research suggests
that the prevalence has yet to peak. If the allergic reaction
becomes severe it is then known as anaphylaxis, a
life-threatening event.
Food allergies are the
leading cause of anaphylaxis outside of the hospital setting.
Other common causes of anaphylaxis include allergies to latex,
medications and insect bites.
It is important for school district
employees to be prepared to provide care and an emergency
response.
As a substitute teacher, this includes you!
Symptoms
Some of the most dangerous symptoms of
anaphylaxis include breathing difficulties, a drop in blood
pressure, or shock, which are potentially fatal.
Common signs and symptoms include:
- Coughing, wheezing, throat tightening,
difficulty breathing.
- Hives, itching, swelling.
- Stomach cramps, vomiting, diarrhea.
- Dizziness, fainting or loss of
consciousness.
- Red, watery eyes, runny nose.
- Change of voice, change of skin color.
- Sense of doom.
What do I need to know?
As a substitute teacher you should find out
if your schools have protocols for:
- Dealing with anaphylactic episodes.
- Avoidance of allergen exposure, and
cross-contamination.
- Special accommodations like an
Emergency Care Plan (ECP) for individual students in your
class that have known severe allergies.
Where can I find this information?
Your best resources for this district
specific information are the:
·
School nurse
·
Main office
·
District office
·
District website (for contact information)
Most of the above information was taken
from:
Making a Difference, Caring for Students
with Life threatening Allergies (NYSDOH/NYSED, June 2008).
For the complete document go to:
http://www.health.state.ny.us/professionals/protocols_and_guidelines/docs/caring_for_students_with_life_threatening_allergies.pdf
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