Benedict's Law was established following the tragic death of five-year-old Benedict Blythe, who died from an allergic reaction at school in 2021. The law was established to protect all children in schools with any form of allergies.
Allergies are immune system reactions to typically harmless substances, leading to symptoms that can range from mild to severe, including anaphylaxis which is the scariest. Anaphylaxis affects our airways, breathing and circulation – you have a high risk of dying if you have an anaphylactic shock due to an allergic reaction.
Am I scaring you? I hope so, this is a serious condition that could cost someone their life.
Recognise these signs for anaphylaxis- tightening of the throat,hoarse voice, difficulty swallowing, swollen tongue, persistent coughing, difficulty breathing, dizziness, pale and floppy, collapse and unconscious.
Don’t delay when dealing with anaphylaxis, you have five minutes to administer adrenaline – lie the person down flat with their legs raised, administer adrenaline device if there is no improvement in 5 minutes use a second adrenaline device, immediately call 999.
One in five child deaths from anaphylaxis occur in schools. Schools now by law need to have allergy awareness training for all staff and manage allergy safety polices. These should be done annually to ensure that all information and training is kept up to date. Any serious incidents or ‘near misses’ need to be recorded and reported.
Schools should also ensure the wellbeing of children and young people in schools with a known allergy. Children with a known allergy can become anxious due to risk exposures.
Schools must also consider environmental air quality and infection prevention measures, as asthma and other vulnerabilities further affect children with allergies.
Individual Healthcare Plans must be made for a child with an allergy that can impact their school activities or harm the child.
Anyone at risk of anaphylaxis is prescribed self-administered adrenaline. Two devices must be always carried, and children should keep them in their school bags. Schools must now carry two by two spare adrenaline devices (this can be done without a prescription). These must be readily accessible and unlocked. Remember you only have five minutes to save this child’s life. Schools must also have spare asthma inhalers for use in emergencies.
Anyone can take reasonable action to save a life you don’thave to be trained in administering adrenaline – remember 5 minutes and that
person needs you to help them stay alive.
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