An inter-departmental meeting has taken place on the prevention and management of anaphylaxis in early learning, childcare, and educational settings. The development follows concerns raised last year by HSE Child Health Public Health, which has been advocating a national policy for the area.
The inter-departmental meeting, which was held in May, involved the Department of Children, Disability and Equality (DCDE), the Department of Health (DoH), and the Department of Education and Youth.
“The matter remains under discussion at this time,” said a DCDE spokesperson. According to the DoH, it is anticipated that “stakeholders will engage further to discuss any potential next steps”.
As reported by the Medical Independent (MI) in May, HSE Child Health Public Health has advocated for the development of a national policy on the prevention, recognition, and management of anaphylaxis in childcare and educational settings.
Its concerns were set out in a paper titled Anaphylaxis in childcare and educational settings in Ireland – an overview of issues and concerns from a child health perspective. The paper was authored by the Clinical Lead for Child Health Public Health Dr Abigail Collins and clinical colleagues. It was shared with relevant departments last year.
While most anaphylactic reactions are not fatal, symptoms can escalate rapidly and delayed treatment significantly increases the risk of death.
The HSE paper indicated that potential legal uncertainty may be a barrier to the prompt administration of an adrenaline auto-injector by staff in cases of suspected anaphylaxis. The paper said children with anaphylaxis must be “protected from preventable death” by ensuring staff are “protected and obligated” to administer or assist in administering an adrenaline auto-injector. Legal clarity should be provided for staff “confirming” they are “permitted and protected” when administering an adrenaline auto-injector in suspected anaphylaxis. In addition, it must be ensured children at risk of anaphylaxis are able to participate “fully and safely” in all aspects of educational and childcare life.
The paper advocated for the provision of mandatory awareness and emergency response training for all staff; and the availability of wall-mounted adrenaline auto-injectors (including for first-time presentations).
The current legal framework includes statutory instrument (SI) No 449/2015, which allows organisations to procure certain emergency medicines, including adrenaline, which can be administered by trained individuals. The person receiving the emergency medicine must previously have been prescribed it or been diagnosed as having the condition for which it is to be administered, “provided that it is reasonable to expect this information to be obtained in the circumstances.” Registration under the SI is low and the Pre-Hospital Emergency Care Council has said it “would support” a review. In England, statutory measures surrounding anaphylaxis prevention and management in schools are due to commence in September.
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