I surveyed my local pre-schools and nurseries and found none of the staff had received training. A child in our setting has an Epipen, but we had not considered training either, until we received a letter from our EYDCP.
Training should be delivered by someone from a professional body, such as a practice nurse, the local health authority community nurse, a hospital paediatric nurse or local allergy clinic.
Training showed us what part of the leg to inject and how to administer it.
Without this training, I would have given the injection incorrectly.
Anaphylaxis reactions in pre-schools are rare, but staff should be trained to assess symptoms and give medication. Symptoms include swelling of the mouth, difficulty in swallowing or speaking, alterations in heart rate, hives, abdominal cramps, nausea, vomiting, a drop in blood pressure, collapse or unconsciousness. Some children may only have minor symptoms, such as tingling or itching in the mouth, which can be treated with antihistamines.
The Epipen injection constricts blood vessels, relaxes muscles in the lungs to improve breathing and stimulate heartbeat, and helps to stop swelling around the face and lips.
I would like to hear from nurseries and pre-schools who have undertaken training or would like to join me in raising awareness.
Darinder Sandhu, Startshill Preschool, Farnborough (dorinda_sandhu @hotmail.co.uk)
