Monday, April 21, 2008
Asthma and Allergies
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Firstly, I’m glad that the event that David has reported didn’t turn into something very serious. I agree fully with his conclusion about “screening” for asthma and I would add the need to screen for ALLERGIES.
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It’s important to note that a severe allergic reaction, called anaphylaxis, is potentially fatal if not treated promptly.
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As well as food allergies (nuts particularly), some people can react very badly to a bee or wasp sting. Whatever the cause, people at risk usually carry a pre-loaded injection kit called an EpiPen which contains a single measured dose of adrenaline. This is the one medication that (in the UK) a suitably trained first aider can administer.
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So, if you are aware that a client is vulnerable you can check (discreetly of course) that they have an EpiPen with them before going off on the walk. Needless to say, you will need to ask where it’s kept.
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On a similar subject, some people can be allergic to latex so it might be worth considering swapping any latex gloves in your first aid kit for a non latex type.
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I also think that it is good practice to include “client medical condition” as an identified hazard on your risk assessment*. The control measures can be as above, ie. The walk leader is a qualified first-aider, screen via a questionnaire and check for medication prior to an outing.
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(* I know that if you are a self employed person (in the UK) having fewer that five employees you are not obliged to keep written risk assessments, but I have always been advised that it’s good practice to do so.)
If it’s been a while since your last first aid course, it’s worth a quick look at the EpiPen website at www.epipen.co.uk and the site of the Anaphylaxis Campaign at www.anaphylaxis.org.uk
Here’s hoping that you will never need to put any of this into practice.
Malcolm Jarvis Nordic Walker Leeds UK
.
It’s important to note that a severe allergic reaction, called anaphylaxis, is potentially fatal if not treated promptly.
.
As well as food allergies (nuts particularly), some people can react very badly to a bee or wasp sting. Whatever the cause, people at risk usually carry a pre-loaded injection kit called an EpiPen which contains a single measured dose of adrenaline. This is the one medication that (in the UK) a suitably trained first aider can administer.
.
So, if you are aware that a client is vulnerable you can check (discreetly of course) that they have an EpiPen with them before going off on the walk. Needless to say, you will need to ask where it’s kept.
.
On a similar subject, some people can be allergic to latex so it might be worth considering swapping any latex gloves in your first aid kit for a non latex type.
.
I also think that it is good practice to include “client medical condition” as an identified hazard on your risk assessment*. The control measures can be as above, ie. The walk leader is a qualified first-aider, screen via a questionnaire and check for medication prior to an outing.
.
(* I know that if you are a self employed person (in the UK) having fewer that five employees you are not obliged to keep written risk assessments, but I have always been advised that it’s good practice to do so.)
If it’s been a while since your last first aid course, it’s worth a quick look at the EpiPen website at www.epipen.co.uk and the site of the Anaphylaxis Campaign at www.anaphylaxis.org.uk
Here’s hoping that you will never need to put any of this into practice.
Malcolm Jarvis Nordic Walker Leeds UK
