10 June 2009

Anaphylaxis Schools Education Program

The NSW Government has launched a three-year schools education program aimed at training teachers and students in the prevention, management and treatment of anaphylaxis.

Minister for Health, John Della Bosca, said anaphylaxis is a severe, rapidly progressive allergic reaction that is regarded as a medical emergency and is increasingly more common in children than adults.

“A total of 123 children under 14 years of age were admitted to NSW hospitals with anaphylaxis in 2003, with 60 per cent caused by food allergy,” the Minister said.

“This had risen to 151 children by 2007, with 72 per cent caused by food allergy.

“With the rising prevalence of anaphylaxis in childhood, there has been a surge in the need for resources to effectively support children at risk of anaphylaxis and their families and carers.

“Commencing on 1 July, a new education program will deal primarily with anaphylaxis due to food, and will be managed across the state by the Children’s Hospital at Westmead (CHW).

“The NSW Government has committed $1 million to the program which will provide local ‘train the trainer’ courses, where community and early childhood nurses have capacity to provide anaphylaxis education to schools within their existing role, including the proper use of EpiPens,” the Minister said.

“The Children’s Hospital at Westmead will also continue to work with Area Health Services to ensure there is a local skill base across NSW within the community nursing sector, particularly in rural and remote areas.

“It is imperative teachers and students are appropriately educated about severe allergy.

“Fatal allergic reactions to food are most common among adolescents and young adults, especially those who are allergic to peanut or tree nuts and who have asthma.

“Hospital-based studies suggest death rates in the order of one per 100-200 episodes of anaphylaxis are treated in an emergency department.

“NSW Health and CHW will continue to work with the NSW Department of Education and Training in delivering capacity to support school staff in identifying and appropriately responding to children who experience anaphylaxis in the school setting,” the Minister said.

For a range of health information, go online to www.health.nsw.gov.au