Adrenaline Auto-Injectors - supply to schools

Adrenaline Auto-Injectors: Supply to Schools

Anaphylaxis is a severe allergic reaction requiring immediate treatment with adrenaline. Adrenaline auto-injectors (AAIs) allow non-healthcare professionals to administer life-saving medication quickly. Children at risk are prescribed AAIs, but these may not always be available or in date at school.

Since October 2017, schools can purchase AAIs without a prescription for emergencies. While not mandatory, this supports their duty of care under the Children and Families Act 2014.

The number of AAI that the school needs will be determined by the number of children diagnosed with a severe allergy, the size and the layout of the school. Schools with more pupils or split over several sites will require more AAIs. The final number of devices should be sufficient to ensure that all allergic children are within easy access of an emergency AAI should they need to use it.

Each school can decide which brand of AAI to stock, although schools are advised to hold stock of only one brand to minimise possible confusion relating to administration technique and training.

The Resuscitation Council recommends that anaphylaxis is treated using the age-based criteria shown below:

  • Children aged under 6 years: 150mcg adrenaline
  • Children aged 6-12 years: 300mcg adrenaline
  • Children aged 12 years and over: 300mcg or 500mcg adrenaline

Only 150mcg and 300mcg strengths are available in an auto-injector device (Epipen and Jext)

Supplying AAIs

  • Pharmacies need to obtain from the school a written request from the head teacher (on headed paper) stating school name, purpose, and quantity.
  • An entry must be made in the POM register to record all supplies made. This entry should include the following details:
  • The date the supply was made
  • Name and brand, quantity, formulation and strength of the product supplied
  • Name and address of the person and school to whom the device was supplied
  • The reason the supply was made

The pharmacy does not need to label the AAI before supplying the device.

SOP for Signed Orders and Requisitions

Resuscitation Council UK guidance