Operated by: Nudge Education Ltd · Version: Nov 2024 · Owner: Director of Operations
Anaphylaxis and Adrenaline Auto-Injector (EpiPen) Policy August 2025 Review Date August 2026 Purpose
To establish a clear framework for managing anaphylaxis and the use of adrenaline auto-injectors (EpiPens) to safeguard young people in our care. This policy complies with UK statutory guidance and promotes a safe and supportive environment.
Scope
This policy applies to all young people in our care and staff members
Definitions
- Anaphylaxis: A severe, potentially life-threatening allergic reaction triggered by allergens such as food, insect stings, medication, or latex.
- Adrenaline Auto-Injector (EpiPen): A prescribed medical device used to treat anaphylaxis.
Anaphylaxis and Adrenaline Auto-Injector (EpiPen) Policy Nov 2024 V1.1 Roles and Responsibilities
Organisation
- Ensure compliance with legal requirements and best practices.
- Provide access to training on anaphylaxis management and EpiPen use.
- Maintain an environment that minimises exposure to known allergens. Staff:
- Attend training on recognising and responding to anaphylaxis.
- Follow Individual Healthcare Plans (IHPs) and emergency procedures.
- Ensure adrenaline auto-injectors are stored and accessible
- Staff must make a written record of any administration Parents/Guardians:
- Notify staff of their young person’s allergy and provide an up-to-date IHP.
- Supply at least two in-date adrenaline auto-injectors for their young person.
- Inform staff of any changes in their young person’s condition or treatment.
Individual Healthcare Plans (IHPs)
- An IHP must be created for every young person diagnosed with a severe allergy and where one in place this must be requested by the Assistant Regional Lead during/after IA
- IHPs must include:
- A description of the allergy and known triggers.
- Signs and symptoms of an allergic reaction.
- Instructions for administering an adrenaline auto-injector.
- Emergency contact information.
Adrenaline Auto-Injectors (EpiPens)
Storage:
- Auto-injectors must be stored in a clearly labeled, accessible, and secure location. Checks and Maintenance:
- Staff must regularly check devices for expiry dates and condition.
Anaphylaxis and Adrenaline Auto-Injector (EpiPen) Policy Nov 2024 V1.1
- Parents/Caregivers are responsible for replacing expired or used devices.
7. Training
- All relevant staff must receive annual training on:
- Recognising anaphylaxis symptoms.
- Administering adrenaline auto-injectors.
- Emergency procedures following an injection.
- Training and guidance will be provided by accredited organisations.
8. Emergency Procedures
In the event of a suspected anaphylactic reaction:
- Administer the EpiPen immediately into the outer thigh.
- Call 999 and inform them it’s an anaphylactic emergency.
3. Keep the young person lying flat with legs elevated unless breathing is
difficult.
4. Administer a second dose if symptoms persist after 5-15 minutes and a
second injector is available. 5. Monitor the young person until emergency services arrive.
9. Preventative Measures
- Educate young person, staff, and parents about allergy awareness.
- Ensure all outings and activities are risk-assessed for allergy safety.
10. Legal Protection
Staff administering adrenaline auto-injectors in good faith are protected under UK law, provided they act in accordance with this policy and training.
11. Policy Review
This policy will be reviewed annually or after any significant incident involving anaphylaxis.
Anaphylaxis and Adrenaline Auto-Injector (EpiPen) Policy Nov 2024 V1.1 Review Date Name of Person Reviewing The Policy
August 2025 Paula Cooney
Anaphylaxis and Adrenaline Auto-Injector (EpiPen) Policy Nov 2024 V1.1
Applicability to NEO
This policy is inactive for NEO online provision — NEO is fully online and this policy applies only to face-to-face provision operated by Nudge Education Ltd. It is retained in the vault tagged inactive-neo so commissioners and staff can see explicitly that the policy does not apply to online placements.
Document control
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Version | Nov 2024 |
| Owner | Director of Operations |
| Status | live |
| Source file | 7. Intervention Safety - Safeguarding, Complex behaviours and Complex needs/Anaphylaxis and Adrenaline Auto-Injector (EpiPen) Policy Nov 2024 V1.docx (1).pdf |