Epipens and field trips

[chasinRT]

I have a kindergarten student with a severe peanut allergy who has an epipen. His teacher is trained but will not necessarily be with his group. Mom can't chaperone. What do you do in a circumstance such as this? Do you end up going on the field trip? I realize at this point I should have addressed this in his 504 meeting. Live and learn.

[SnowyJ, RN]

Of course, details of the GS law vary by state:

Good Samaritan Laws by state | Recreation Law

[chasinRT]

We actually have a policy that a parent may designate another parent to give epi pen. They do have to sign a consent. As long as it is an able/willing/trained adult.

The other parent would be covered by "Good Samaritan" laws.

As for FERPA, I think severe food allergies are something that should be known. We don't broadcast names, but I guarantee that the other students (and therefore the parents) know who is who by this point.

Hmmm. That's food for thought. Who is responsible to make sure the GS parent is trained? The student's parent? Does that take the liability off the school corp's shoulders?

[Farawyn]

Hmmm. That's food for thought. Who is responsible to make sure the GS parent is trained? The student's parent? Does that take the liability off the school corp's shoulders?

I would say the teacher needs to step up, OR they can hire a sub and pay her/him to go on the trip.

I don't see why she is let off the hook.

[OldDude]

Hmmm. That's food for thought. Who is responsible to make sure the GS parent is trained? The student's parent? Does that take the liability off the school corp's shoulders?

I agree with Farawyn..I think under these circumstances - if something went bad - and the school district had trained personnel present on the field trip that weren't utilized for "whatever" reason....the district would ultimately be held responsible. Isn't this teacher responsible for this child throughout the school day; what exemption should be made because of a field trip?

[chasinRT]

Situation resolved. Student will be with teacher. Grateful for supportive admin. Thanks for the helpful discourse. So grateful I can come here and get thoughtful answers to questions!

[OldDude]

As for FERPA, I think severe food allergies are something that should be known. We don't broadcast names, but I guarantee that the other students (and therefore the parents) know who is who by this point.

I have yet to figure this out but you're absolutely right - it's like the lawmakers demand these kids are protected and safe from exposure (good idea) but it's a secret who they are. We aren't allowed to put an allergy sign on a classroom door, but obviously, after the first few days of school all the kids in the class and those kid's parents know who the child/children with the allergies are. Go figure.

[SnowyJ, RN]

Wow, Old Dude, we are required to post that there is a nut allergic student in the room. (Sign on door.) We also send letters home to all parents.

Interesting how things vary.

[CAdreamerRN]

If the parent can't go and the teacher who is trained doesn't want to be/doesn't think they can be the Epi Pen person then the field trip has to be cancelled - once a teacher hears that they usually accommodate!

[lvnforschool]

I had a similiar incident last year but it was a diabetic. Guess who had to go on the field trip

[Farawyn]

I had a similiar incident last year but it was a diabetic. Guess who had to go on the field trip

So, they hired a sub nurse for the rest of the school, yes?

[KelRN215, BSN, RN]

I had a similiar incident last year but it was a diabetic. Guess who had to go on the field trip

There must be a nurse on school field trips in my area. I know that because my Mom is a teacher and, before I took a full-time Mon-Fri job, I was going to be a substitute school nurse at her school so I could get paid $150 on my day off to carry some inhalers and epipens at Plymouth Plantation. A lot of times parents who are nurses sign up to do this, then they get paid to chaperone their child's field trip.

[hppygr8ful, ASN, RN, EMT-I]

Epioens are designed for self use and should be carried on the person at all time if allergies are severe and life threatening. My son learned to use his when he was three. That's the whole point of epi-pens. Still if this child does not know how to use his he should be with the teacher or a responsible adult at all times. A nurse is not required to be present so whoever the adult chaperone for his group is should be taught its use.

The same is true for rectal Valium for seizure's Any anybody can be trained to use one and parents and siblings administer these drugs at home all the time with just a two hours training.