Teachers to be trained to cope with student allergies to nuts (AU)

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PRINCIPALS and teachers will be trained to deal with students' severe peanut allergies at compulsory sessions starting next month.

The State Government-run allergic response training, beginning in term two, will show teachers what to do if a student suffers a potentially lethal allergic reaction, known as anaphylactic shock, to peanuts or other nut products.

Principals will attend a three-hour training session before passing on the guidelines to their staff.

Schools will also have access to nurse educators who can provide more specific advice.

The introduction of the awareness sessions, developed in conjunction with the NSW Department of Health, follows recommendations from the state coroner after a student died from anaphylactic shock in 2002 after eating peanut butter.

While most people allergic to nuts typically encounter mild symptoms such as hives, a small proportion will go into anaphylactic shock, experiencing worrying symptoms such as breathing problems. The most common form of instant treatment is to use an EpiPen, a type of syringe containing adrenaline.

Schools are advised by the Department of Education to discourage students from sharing lunches and to post an emergency response plan in the canteen area, as well as organising lunches to be eaten in a supervised area and replacing foods such as peanut butter with other canteen items.

Many NSW school canteens have prepared posters displaying photos of students with allergies, their names and details of items they are not allowed to consume or come into contact with.

A document sent to schools from the Department of Education earlier this year advises principals of the potential severity of the allergic reactions.

"Schools are reminded that, for susceptible people, severe allergies to some foods and other substances, particularly an allergy to peanuts, can be life threatening," the document says.

"There has been increasing community concern relating to anaphylaxis in children in recent years. Many principals will be aware of the recent coronial inquest into the death of a student in 2002 from anaphylactic shock (severe allergic reaction) following contact with peanuts during a game organised on an excursion."

Education Minister Carmel Tebbutt said parents should inform schools of any allergies their children had.

"It is very important that parents ensure the school is made aware of any allergies their children may have, particularly if their child has a severe allergy," Ms Tebbutt said.

Source: The Sun-Herald