To worry about allergic reactions in schools

[PinkBottledWater]

I work in a school where I am the lowest paid, know the children the least but highly likely to be first on the scene if a child suffered an allergic reaction.

I work over lunchtimes only in a large playground.
I asked to see where the epipens were kept, and have had training.

When I asked to see where they were, I was told by the manager ‘don’t worry, someone else will deal with it - if anything like that happens’.
Except yesterday I was on duty while the teaching staff were all in a meeting. This happens frequently.

I often feel that me - as least qualified - would be first to deal with an emergency situation, and would be the most accountable in the way that I respond to that situation.

It scares me and I think there needs to be a better way.

Certainly every school I’ve every worked in so I don’t understand why any school wouldn’t (especially the school that a pp said just 3 staff were trained)

OP thank heavens for people like you who care. An allergic reaction can turn fatal within 30 minutes and it’s something which now affects something like 1 in 12 children. You are absolutely right to take this seriously. My DD has multiple allergies and it’s terrifying.

I suggest you put your request to be told where the pens are in writing (and draw attention to the fact it’s in writing) and mention that wonderful buzzword word “safeguarding”. That way they cant fob you off! I’ve drafted something for you if it’s of any use:

Dear x,

In light of the recent allergy death of Benedict Blythe at another school which has been high profile in the news, I am putting in writing my request to be told where the adrenaline autoinjectors / Jext / Epi-pens are kept so I can access them in the event one of the children has an allergic reaction.

As a lunchtime supervisor, who is sometimes alone with the children at a time they are consuming foods and therefore at risk, I believe this knowledge is critical to ensure the adequate safeguarding of the children.

Kindly let me know in writing if this request can be accommodated.

Many thanks,

Please ignore this - it’s as shocking as the response from your school. My child has a severe allergy (anaphylactic) and has EpiPens on him at school at all times - in a designated place in the classroom and in a bumbag on him when not, eg in the lunch hall. All staff know how to administer it and when he goes to someone’s house for the first time, I send them a 30 second video instructing how to use it in the event of an emergency. Epipens would have to be used immediately in an emergency so there’s no point in them taking vital minutes to be found or for the appropriate member of staff to be found. I hope that your school can give you the support that both you and the children deserve, but please look up how to use them in the meantime - thankfully it’s very simple so will hopefully reassure you.