Victoria extends anaphylaxis management rules

The Victorian Government has announced that it will require all schools from April 22 to comply with its updated guidelines on Anaphylaxis Management in Schools.

The Minister for Education Martin Dixon yesterday announced the requirements, which had been in place for state schools since 2007, would also apply to non-government schools from Term 2, 2014.

"Victorian schools are now leading the way nationally in providing support to students with severe, life threatening allergies,'' he said.

The updated rules will require all schools in Victoria to:

• Train staff in anaphylaxis management.
• Implement prevention strategies to minimise the risk of an anaphylactic reaction.
• Have "backup" Epipens in first aid kits for general use in an emergency.
• Develop an Individual Anaphylaxis Management Plan for every student at risk of anaphylaxis developed in consultation with the student's parents/carers and medical practitioner.
• Complete an Annual Anaphylaxis Risk Management Checklist.
• Develop a communication plan to raise school community awareness  about severe allergies and the School’s Anaphylaxis Management Policy.

Victoria remains the only state to have legislation in relation to the management of anaphylaxis. Other states and territories, however, have guidelines in how schools should manage anaphylaxis.

Allergy & Anaphylaxis Australia has been calling for legislation to be adopted nationally.

"I think by and large people are doing their best with a very challenging issue," said the group's President Maria Said.