Severe allergic reactions can bring on breathing problems, swelling, itching, and even fatal consequences if not addressed quickly. Last year, a Chicago student died after she had an allergic reaction at a school party. She was allergic to peanuts and went into anaphylactic shock. Many individuals have food and drug allergies, and the school system needs to be prepared to help their students overcome these potentially dangerous situations. Sometimes a child forgets their EpiPen or needs a second dose to prevent a severe reaction.
Governor Pat Quinn recently signed a new law that lets school officials take care of any student who is having a severe allergic reaction. A school nurse can now use an epinephrine shot, EpiPen or another device. The law also permits schools to keep a stock of this medicine at the nurse’s office. Even if a student has not been previously diagnosed with the allergy but develops one for the first time, the nurse can now administer this medicine when critical situations arise.
“When a child suffers a severe allergic reaction, every second counts,” said Governor Quinn. “With food allergies on the rise, we take action to help children with dangerous allergies. This law allows our schools to be prepared and for school nurses to take the immediate action that could save a child’s life.”
Illinois schools must now have an allergy management policy with guidelines from the Illinois State Board of Education and the Illinois Department of Public Health. Schools are not forced to have the medicine on hand, but many officials say schools will stock it just in case. With approximately 40 percent of children suffering from food allergies and 30 percent allergic to multiple foods, this is a smart move by the state. Common food allergies involve peanuts, milk, and shellfish. An estimated 300,000 children go to the hospital each year for anaphylaxis.
Schools that do not stock these important medicines risk the lives of their students. Briskman Briskman & Greenberg is a respected law firm that takes action to get their clients compensation for funeral expenses, loss of financial support, and other costs. Their team of Chicago wrongful death attorneys helps families with all the legal challenges so you can focus on spending time with your loved ones.
Robert I. Briskman is a Chicago wrongful death attorney and Chicago wrongful death lawyer with Briskman Briskman & Greenberg. To learn more call 1.877.595.4878 or visit http://www.briskmanandbriskman.com/.
