5330.02 - EPINEPHRINE AUTO-INJECTORS: MAINTENANCE AND USE

In consultation with a licensed health professional who is authorized to prescribe drugs, and in accordance with State law, the Superintendent hereby approves this policy and procedure, alternatively termed "Administrative Guidelines," governing the maintenance and use of epinephrine auto-injectors ("Epi-Pens").

1. Locations:
   
   At least two (2) Epi-Pens of both dose sizes (i.e., 0.3 mg of epinephrine and 0.15 mg of epinephrine) shall be securely stored in the Office of School Nurse location in each school building.
2. Storage, Replacement, and Disposal:
   
   Epi-Pens shall be stored, in accordance with the following guidelines:
    
   1. Storage: Epi-Pens shall be stored in the carrier tube provided at a temperature between 60⁰F - 80⁰F.
   2. The school nurse is responsible for verifying that an appropriate number of Epi-Pens are maintained in the school building and they have not expired. 
3. Individuals Authorized to Administer Epi-Pens in Emergency Situations:
   
   The following individuals are authorized to access and use Epi-Pens in emergency situations:
    
   1. licensed school nurse
   2. licensed athletic trainer
   3. building Principal
   4. building secretary
   5. teacher
   6. aide
   7. other, as designated by student's IEP, 504 Plan, or IHP
      
      Each school shall have at least two (2) persons trained in the appropriate use of an epinephrine auto-injector. Building Principals shall maintain a list of the specific individuals authorized to use, in emergency situations, the District-maintained Epi-Pens. The list shall also be available on an electronically accessible site for employees' reference.
4. Training:
   
   Before using an Epi-Pen in an emergency situation, an individual other than a licensed school nurse or licensed athletic trainer, must complete an Epi-Pen administration program conducted by a licensed health professional. The training shall be done in accordance with any guidance provided by the Ohio Department of Education. The training shall include how to recognize anaphylaxis and administer an epinephrine auto-injector.  
5. Emergency Situations:
   
   The authorized individuals may access and use an Epi-Pen in emergency situations, including but not limited to:
    
   1. when an individual demonstrates signs or symptoms of anaphylaxis;
   2. upon the first signs of a severe allergic reaction for which Epi-Pen treatment is indicated;
6. Emergency Medical Provider Assistance:
   
   Immediately following deployment of an Epi-Pen, the individual administering it shall request assistance from an emergency medical service provider (911). If the Epi-Pen was self-administered by the student, pursuant to AG 5330, the school nurse shall be responsible for requesting assistance from an emergency medical service provider (911) immediately following the incident.
7. Additional Recipients of Epi-Pen Assistance:
   
   In addition to students, school employees, contractors, and visitors, an Epi-Pen may be administered to the following individuals in an emergency situation: any individual on school grounds who is believed to be having an anaphylactic reaction. 
8. Reporting of Injections:
   
   Any person who administers an Epi-Pen to a student shall promptly notify the student's parent/guardian that an injection has been administered.
   
   Additionally, all Epi-Pen injections by Board employees/contractors to students shall be reported in writing to the Superintendent. The report shall include whether the school's or student's Epi-Pen was used, and whether the student was previously known to be subject to severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis).

Protocol for Use:

The definitive protocol for Epi-Pens, as issued by a licensed health professional authorized to prescribe drugs, are as follows:

1. administration
2. dosage
   
   Nothing herein shall affect a student's ability to self-administer Epi-Pens in accordance with Policy 5330 and AG 5330.

© Neola 2016