Did
you know????
Schools
will soon be able to hold generic adrenaline auto-injectors (AAIs)
As you may be aware, schools have previously
been unable to keep generic AAIs as they were classed as a prescription only
medicine. However, following extensive campaigning by the Anaphylaxis Campaign
and other leading organisations, new legislation will come into effect on 1st
October 2017 to allow schools, preschools and nurseries to obtain these without
a prescription, for emergency use on children who are at risk of anaphylaxis
but whose own device is not available or not working.
The
new legislation represents a significant adjustment in the management of
children who suffer from severe allergic reactions and it will provide great
reassurance to parents, school staff and carers across the UK.
Full
guidance can be found from the Department of Health. Whilst it is not mandatory for schools to
hold generic AAIs, those who choose to do so should establish a sufficient
policy or protocol for their use in line with statutory guidance and ensure
that staff have been adequately trained to operate the devices in an emergency.
With
17% of fatal allergic reactions in school-aged children happening while at
school, we are extremely pleased to hear that AAIs are set to have a permanent
place within schools across the UK!
If you
wish to find out more about ‘Generic Pens in Schools’, you can visit the Anaphylaxis Campaign website
or contact us direct at training@co2training.co.uk.