Practical tips for leaders

• Be aware of any allergy sufferers within your Group or Section. Find out what the triggering allergens are, what the usual allergic reaction is like, and what that person normally does when a reaction is triggered. An informal chat with the parent or guardian engenders trust and confidence for all concerned.
  
  
• Make all Leaders in the Group or activity aware of the possibility of a severe allergic reaction in one of its members.
  
  
• If any member has a severe allergy or anaphylaxis, avoid any games or activities that bring that person into contact with the triggering allergen.
  
  
• In severe allergy to food components, such as nuts, always check the labelling carefully before giving a sufferer food. Remember that even small traces of food allergen can trigger anaphylaxis. When preparing food, it is essential to prevent cross contamination of allergenic foods with non-allergenic foods. Even safer, consider banning the allergenic food at camps, meetings, etc.
  
  
• Familiarise yourself with any medications taken by the sufferer, and agree with them and their parent/guardian when any medication should be taken in the event of an allergic reaction. Make sure all Leaders know where the medications are stored.
  
  
• With an anaphylaxis sufferer, strongly consider being trained on how to use the adrenaline auto-injector, as it can be life saving. A trained doctor, nurse or knowledgeable parent can help with this. Alternatively, contact your ADC (Special Needs) or ACC/AAC/Adviser (Special Needs) who will be able to arrange for you to speak to someone.
  
  
• The Scout Association will support any Leader who has to administer medication to a Member who is having an allergic reaction if they administer the sufferer's usual medication in the normal prescribed dose.

Adrenaline auto-injectors must not be used by anyone who is not trained in their use

• Remember it is considered good practice for the Leader to obtain written permission from the parent or guardian for administering any medication to a young person.
  
  
• Don’t forget that Leaders and other adults can suffer allergies, and the reactions they cause. This may be especially relevant when individuals are in situations such as Nights Away or in unfamiliar environments.