By Karen Poh
THE nation’s first anaphylaxis legislation comes into effect across all Victorian schools and children’s centre this week, in response to the growing number of children suffering from life-threatening food allergies.
It was launched by Children and Early Childhood Development Minister Maxine Morand and Education Minister Bronwyn Pike on the first day of term three at Williamstown North Primary School, which has been lauded for leading the way in managing children at risk of anaphylaxis.
Assistant principal Wendy Emin has been instrumental in developing the school’s management policy and procedures.
“It came about when we had the first child who enrolled in 1998 with anaphylaxis, so we had to find out what it all meant and ensured we had all the procedures in place to make sure the child was operating in a safe environment,” Ms Emin said.
“From there, we have continued to develop our knowledge and understanding, and we’re very proud that we had a lead in developing a process to cater for children with anaphylaxis,” she said.
Fifteen out of the school’s 615 students have been diagnosed to be at risk of anaphylaxis in Williamstown North Primary School, and the number stands at about 4000 in Victoria.
Peanut allergy affects about one in 100 children and the rate has more than doubled in the past 30 years. Under the new legislation, school teachers and staff, as well as children’s services workers will be trained to recognise the signs and symptoms of allergic reactions, know how to minimise the risk of anaphylactic shock, as well as be able to administer treatment with an adrenaline injection using an EpiPen. The management policy will also require schools to proactively minimise risk, store medication properly, have a parental alert plan and comprehensive individual management plans for children at risk.
Dr Mukesh Haikerwal, whose 11-year-old son Javeen was first diagnosed with anaphylaxis at 18 months, said the legislation will help parents breathe easier. Ongoing training is important as it gives teachers the confidence to deal with children who suffer from these conditions, he said.
The former president of the National Australian Medical Association has been actively involved with helping Williamstown North Primary School develop its management policy.
“We’re pleased that after 18 months now, we’ve got safe schools and safe child care centres all over Victoria,” Dr Haikerwal said.
