Hi, My son starts kindergarten this year and I just found out that the epi-pen is kept locked in a cabinet in the office. When I voiced concern (informally at the kindergarten round-up) I was disturbed by some of the responses. Of course I was talking to the grumpy head secretary and the well-meaning principal so I held my fire for the meeting with the district nurse. I know the AAAAI has a position statement advising AGAINST keeping the epi-pen in a locked cupboard - so I have that on my side. Anyone else have advice to argue that the epi-pen should not be locked up?
Thanks, Jennifer
You might have some luck with a doctor's note. Also, according to FAAN, your state is one that allows students to carry epinephrine, so you'd think they'd understand about the need for accessibility. (Not that I'm suggesting a kindergartener would self-administer, but it's clear that epinephrine doesn't "have" to be locked up).
Here's the link to FAAN on school's epipen policies:
[url="http://www.foodallergy.org/advocacy/advocacy-schools.html"]http://www.foodallergy.org/advocacy/advocacy-schools.html[/url]
I would ask them what they would think about locking up a fire extinguisher? Your house could burn down while you try to find the key to get the fire extinguisher to put out the small kitchen fire. the EPI should NEVER be locked up!!!! I believe that it is written into our states health and safety codes.. They need to be locked up at night when no one is inthe building ( our is in in a UNlocked cabinet inthe nurses office) but the nurses office is locked up after school hours.
That is ridicuous..