The Department for Education has published updated guidance on the management of anaphylaxis in schools, providing clearer advice on the circumstances in which school staff can administer adrenaline auto-injectors (AAIs) — commonly known by the brand name EpiPen — to pupils who are experiencing a severe allergic reaction.
The Legal Position
Under the Human Medicines (Amendment) (No. 2) Regulations 2014, schools in England are permitted to purchase AAIs without a prescription to hold as spare emergency devices. These spare devices can be administered by trained staff to any pupil who is having a severe allergic reaction, even if the pupil does not have their own prescribed AAI.
The updated DfE guidance clarifies that this permission extends to all state-funded schools and that schools are strongly encouraged — though not legally required — to hold at least one spare AAI. The guidance also clarifies that staff who administer a spare AAI in a genuine emergency are protected from liability provided they have received appropriate training.
Training Requirements
The DfE guidance specifies that staff who may be called upon to administer an AAI must receive training from a competent trainer. The training must cover: recognition of the signs and symptoms of anaphylaxis; the correct technique for administering an AAI; the importance of calling 999 immediately; and the need to administer a second dose if symptoms do not improve after five minutes.
Implications for Schools
Schools should review their anaphylaxis policies in light of the updated guidance and ensure that sufficient staff are trained to respond to an anaphylaxis emergency at all times when pupils are on site. Training should be refreshed annually, as the DfE guidance notes that skills deteriorate rapidly without regular practice.