CHI video on managing allergies

CHILDREN’S HEALTH IRELAND LAUNCHES VIDEO FOR MANAGING ALLERGIC REACTIONS

Following the success of the CHI Mass Challenge Initiative in CityWest in 2020, the Children’s Health Ireland Allergy team recently launched an interactive education video for families of food allergic patients called ‘Managing Your Child’s Allergic Reaction’.

CHI’s Dr Aideen Byrne and Mairead Sheehan Allergy CNS created the video to empower families in the recognition and treatment of mild and severe allergic reactions, delivery of adrenaline auto injector pens and the management of a child while awaiting emergency assistance. Multilingual versions of the video will also be launched, ensuring this vital knowledge is even more accessible for families.

Allergy CNS Mairead Sheehan said, “This video has made a hugely positive impact on how we educate and train our families, complementing and reinforcing our key allergy management advice in a calm reassuring manner. It’s a simple digital tool that is revolutionising how we educate our allergic families.

“The allergy team want to empower and support families as they integrate care plans into family life for what can seem like terrifying scenarios,” said Consultant Paediatrician, Professor Jonathan Hourihane. “These cool videos are designed for easy stress free viewing at home and for sharing with friends and family.”

During any allergic reaction it is important to remain calm, and the video is strengthening the confidence of families to manage allergic reactions. Dr Maeve Kelleher, Consultant in Paediatric Allergy, explained how the video format empowers parents in the care of their child. “Videos are easy to share and this is a great asset for parents; it helps them educate anyone looking after their child, ensuring that care giver can become more confident in managing a potential allergic reaction.”

10 KEY MESSAGES FOR HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS MANAGING ALLERGIC REACTIONS

1. Children at risk of severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis) should always have rapid access to two adrenaline pens. 2. Adrenaline delivered IM is the FIRST line of treatment for managing a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis). 3. Allergic reactions start within two hours of exposure to a trigger. 4. Positioning a person in a supine position with legs slightly elevated when they are experiencing a severe allergic reaction is an important part of successful management and should be encouraged. 5. A second dose of adrenaline can be delivered after 5 minutes if there is no improvement. 6. After delivering adrenaline ALWAYS call the emergency services in the community (999/112). 7. Every child that is prescribed adrenaline pens requires an action plan and education on the recognition and management of anaphylaxis. 8. Adrenaline when given to treat an allergic reaction is never harmful. 9. When discussing allergy management with families keep the tone positive and calm, there is no need to be frightened of allergic reactions. 10. Allergic reactions can happen anywhere and to anyone – everyone should know how to recognise and manage allergic reactions – remember if in doubt deliver adrenaline!

To watch the video visit https://bit.ly/3G8iQgu

“The allergy team want to empower and support families as they integrate care plans into family life for what can seem like terrifying scenarios..."