Health Topics #1
ASTHMA PROTOCOL
Rule 59, a new state regulation, became effective on October 1, 2003. This regulation requires that our school be prepared to implement an emergency treatment plan, called a protocol, anytime a student or staff member experiences a life threatening asthma attack or systemic allergic reaction (anaphylaxis). Our district will be ready to implement the protocol in emergency situations by May 2004.
The protocol requires that 911 is called first. After the call is made, an EpiPen injection will be given and then albuterol is provided through a nebulizer. An EpiPen is a small pre-filled, automatic injection device that resembles a highlighter. It is used to deliver epinephrine. Epinephrine is a medication that is used to bring quick relief by improving breathing and lung function. Albuterol is another medication that is used to bring breathing relief (commonly found in metered-dose inhalers). The nebulizer is a machine that mixes the albuterol with air to provide a fine mist (aerosol) for breathing in through a mask or mouthpiece.
The protocol steps are designed to provide quick, effective care in order to prevent death from occuring due to severe asthma attack or anaphylaxis. Staff members have been trained to recognize signs and symptoms of a life-threatening "breathing" emergency and to properly administer the medications. The protocol is a standing medical order that has been signed by Curtis Jones, P.A.-c.
If you know that your student has asthma or a known allergy, it is critically important that you communicate this information to our school staff. You may contact the building principal or secretary. For each student with a known allergic condition or asthma, you must provide the school with (1) written medical documentation, (2) instructions, and (3) medications as directed by a physician. In the event that your student experiences a life-threatening asthma attack or systemic allergic reaction, we will defer to the specific documents and medication that you provided. If you do not have medical documentation and instructions on file with the school for your student, we will defer to the regulatory protocol described above. If, for whatever reason, you do not want your student to receive the life-threatening emergency treatment under the protocol, you must file your written objection with the school. A Protocol Release (pdf) form for refusal of treatment is available for parent/guardians to download.
If you have questions or concerns about the protocol or your student's health issues, please contact the building principal.
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