A Victorian Government Initiative – the Department of Human Services

The Children’s Services Act 1996 requires proprietors of licensed children’s services including Family Day Care (FDC) and Out of School Hours Care (OSHC) to have an anaphylaxis management policy in place. This policy will be required whether or not there is a child diagnosed at risk of anaphylaxis enrolled at the service.  It will apply to children enrolled at the service, their parents/guardians, staff and licensee as well as to other relevant members of the service community, such as volunteers and visiting specialists.  The Children’s Services Regulations 2009 include the matters to be included in the policy, practices and procedures related to anaphylaxis management and staff training.

Anaphylaxis is a severe, life-threatening allergic reaction.  Up to two per cent of the general population and up to five per cent (0-5years) of children are at risk.  The most common causes in young children are eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, cow milk, sesame, bee or other insect stings and some medications.

Young children may not be able to express the symptoms of anaphylaxis.

A reaction can develop within minutes of exposure to the allergen, but with planning and training, a reaction can be treated effectively by using an adrenaline auto-injection device.

The licensee recognises the importance of all staff/carers responsible for the child/ren at risk of anaphylaxis undertaking training that includes preventative measures to minimise the risk of an anaphylactic reaction, recognition of the signs and symptoms of anaphylaxis and emergency treatment, including administration of an adrenaline auto-injection device.

_{(Anaphylaxis Model Policy, The Victorian Government Department Education and Early Childhood Development, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; May 2010; pg. 3, www.education.vic.gov.au/anaphylaxis)}

Download this policy by  clicking here.

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