When you have inhaler and epipen training do they explain when to use them as well as how to?

[OnlyHereToday]

Just wondering please. I am trying to arrange to meet with DS2's new teacher and maybe the class TAs about his anaphylaxis and asthma. I don't want to patronise them but I know it took me a few experiences of helping to treat him through the early stages of anaphylaxis and severe asthma attacks (including calling ambulances and overnight hospital stays) before I got all the medication I needed to into him quickly.

After a year or more of many preventative treatments things are much better controlled but I don't want to be complacent.

He's at a new school, new class mates, teaching, office and kitchen staff and I suddenly feel a bit less sure that everyone knows what to look for and what to do. I can't see the photos up anywhere for example saying which kids have what allergies/ anaphylaxis and that makes me nervous being as different teachers fill in and so on.

I know they've had training but I don't know what this training involves and would love to hear more. Do they show you videos of treating an attack for example? I will ask directly too, just getting some more info.

Also, if there's anything you don't know that you would like to know or are unsure of after the training, I should imagine it's all quite a lot to take in and if you haven't had experience of these attacks it might be difficult to know or remember what to do. Many thanks.

We have photos of children with medical needs but they are not on display on the classroom as they are for the information of staff at the school, not interested parents and children! Our training covers how to identify an attack and how to administer the epipen. All staff at the school ( from the Head through to lunchtime staff recieve yearly training.

I've hired school premises & these photos & info are always in the staff room - I guess it's classed as confidential information.

Thanks, I can understand that, tbh I was surprised that their pictures were up in earlier years but was fine about it, I'd rather anyone temporarily working in that classroom knew but as long as their pictures are somewhere.

We had a good chat, had to debunk some myths around growing out of these things and there being DC with other, more serious health conditions. I don't want to be a PITA, but it really is a completely different environment with no continuity from the other place - and a child died from an asthma attack recently at a local school.

I think I just want to hear that they know and they get it and everyone will be told and reminded regularly. They did say they would put a reminder in the newsletter about no nuts in birthday cakes etc, just want some awareness and reassurance and basic protocols in place without going on!

1. They will have annual training and a practise on other staff with a dummy pen.
2. They will be a spare pen and all the info on your child kept in the office (aswell as a pen in your child's bag)
3. There will be a pack of info given to all staff detailing who had any form of medical needs and how to treat.
4. Staff have to sign to say they are happy to administer the pen. So don't be Suprised if not all are willing.
5. The school have a duty of care and you have to trust them.

Thanks, long story but hardly any of that has happened. We're talking and it's fine-ish but I would be more reassured and confident in my trust if more of that was in place and we had a proper meeting about it.

I have not had any specific epipen or asthma training as a TA. I have been the only adult every week at an after school club with a child with an epipen and was given no more training than reading the side of the packet.

How stressful maby. I think what I am realising is that there are different approaches in different schools, some seem to write up their own formal asthma/anaphylaxis treatment plans and have medication with the child at all times, and some don't have a lot in place.

Perhaps make a note of my previous points and speak to the school.They might well be happy to introduce them. They may also not be fully aware of said duty of care.
The school nurse / your child's anaphylaxis nurse/GP may well have more advice too

Thanks casual, I will. I know I would want a one page, short, simple overview so I could act if needed. We've got to that naturally at home now but unfortunately that's after a lot of practise.

This is the government guidance for children with medical issues in school here
Care plans are recommended for children with anaphylaxis (but not for asthma) Ideally there should be a careplan in place detailing what to do at each step if your child has an allergic reaction. This should be completed by you and a member of staff together,mans then be shared with all relevant staff and also kept in a central place incase anyone needs it (?supply staff)
I would recommend making an appointment to see the class teacher and get the careplan in place.

Thanks Oohhaveabanana,that's really helpful and good to know.