Once you become aware of a life-threatening allergy, ask a parent or guardian to fill out an “Allergy Action Plan” form. These should be kept in a binder and made available to the volunteers during each session. If an emergency were to arise, workers should follow contact instructions as provided by parents/guardians on the form.

If a reaction occurs and parent/guardian cannot be reached, the medication provided by parent/guardian (such as an EpiPen or Benadryl Jr.) may be administered only if signed permission has been indicated on Allergy Action Plan. Please be advised that if parent/guardian is unable to be reached, and if no medication has been provided, or if the volunteer worker is unsure about administering medication (such as an EpiPen), 911 emergency services should be called.

Resources for Allergy Action Plans

• HealthyChildren.org from the American Academy of Pediatrics
• Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis Emergency Care Plan from Food Allergy and Education