Adrenaline Auto Injectors for Secondary Schools: A Complete Guide to Allergy Safety

Secondary schools have a responsibility to provide a safe environment for pupils with severe allergies. While many students are more independent and may carry their own adrenaline auto injectors (AAIs), schools should still have robust allergy management procedures, trained staff and access to spare adrenaline auto injectors in case of an emergency.

Whether you're reviewing your school's allergy policy, preparing for Benedict's Law, or looking to purchase EpiPens and other adrenaline auto injectors, this guide explains how secondary schools can improve allergy safety and ensure they are prepared to respond to anaphylaxis.

Why Allergy Safety Matters in Secondary Schools

Food allergies don't disappear as children get older, and severe allergic reactions can occur at any age. Secondary schools often present additional challenges, with pupils moving between classrooms, attending sports facilities, eating in larger dining areas and taking part in educational visits.

Although many pupils carry and self-administer their own adrenaline auto injectors, emergency situations can still arise where a spare adrenaline auto injector is needed.

A strong approach to allergy management helps secondary schools:

• Protect pupils at risk of anaphylaxis.
• Ensure staff recognise the signs of a severe allergic reaction.
• Improve emergency preparedness across larger school sites.
• Support pupils in managing their allergies safely.
• Meet current Department for Education expectations for allergy safety.

What Is an Adrenaline Auto Injector?

An adrenaline auto injector (AAI) is a pre-filled medical device used to deliver adrenaline during a severe allergic reaction, known as anaphylaxis.

Adrenaline is the recommended first-line emergency treatment for anaphylaxis and should be administered immediately if anaphylaxis is suspected.

Licensed adrenaline auto injectors available in the UK include EpiPen®, Jext® and Emerade®.

Can Secondary Schools Keep Spare Adrenaline Auto Injectors?

Yes. Eligible schools in England can purchase spare adrenaline auto injectors without a prescription for emergency use, provided they comply with current legislation and Department for Education guidance.

Spare adrenaline auto injectors are intended for use in an emergency where a pupil has been diagnosed as being at risk of anaphylaxis and:

• Their own adrenaline auto injector is unavailable.
• Their prescribed device has been damaged or has misfired.
• A second dose of adrenaline is needed while waiting for an ambulance.

Keeping spare EpiPens or other adrenaline auto injectors available helps schools respond quickly during an emergency and provides additional reassurance for pupils, parents and staff.

Which Adrenaline Auto Injectors Should Secondary Schools Keep?

Secondary school pupils are generally more likely to require a 300 microgram (0.3 mg) adrenaline auto injector. However, schools should consider the needs of all pupils and review the devices commonly prescribed within their setting.

Your school's allergy risk assessment should help determine which adrenaline auto injectors are appropriate and how many should be available across the site.

How Many Spare Adrenaline Auto Injectors Should a Secondary School Have?

There is no set number of spare adrenaline auto injectors that every secondary school must hold.

Schools should consider:

• The number of pupils with severe allergies.
• The size and layout of the school.
• Multiple teaching blocks or campuses.
• Sports facilities and playing fields.
• Sixth form areas.
• Educational visits and extracurricular activities.
• Emergency response times.

Larger secondary schools often choose to keep spare adrenaline auto injectors in more than one location to ensure they can be accessed quickly during an emergency.

Where Should Adrenaline Auto Injectors Be Stored?

Emergency adrenaline auto injectors should be:

• Stored in clearly identified locations.
• Easily accessible to trained staff.
• Kept at room temperature.
• Protected from excessive heat and direct sunlight.
• Checked regularly to ensure they remain within their expiry date.

Schools should ensure staff know where emergency medication is stored and how to access it without delay.

Supporting Pupils Who Carry Their Own Adrenaline Auto Injectors

Many secondary school pupils are confident in managing their own allergies and carry their prescribed adrenaline auto injectors throughout the school day.

Schools should:

• Encourage pupils to carry their prescribed devices where appropriate.
• Ensure staff know which pupils are at risk of anaphylaxis.
• Maintain up-to-date Individual Healthcare Plans.
• Have clear procedures for responding if a pupil cannot access or administer their own device.

Even when pupils carry their own medication, spare adrenaline auto injectors provide an important additional safeguard.

Staff Training and Emergency Procedures

All school staff should know:

• The signs and symptoms of anaphylaxis.
• When adrenaline should be administered.
• How to use an adrenaline auto injector safely.
• When to call 999.
• How to care for a pupil while waiting for emergency services.

Regular refresher training helps ensure staff remain confident and prepared.

Creating an Effective Secondary School Allergy Policy

A comprehensive allergy policy should include:

• Procedures for identifying pupils with allergies.
• Individual Healthcare Plans.
• Emergency response procedures.
• Storage and maintenance of adrenaline auto injectors.
• Staff training requirements.
• Communication with parents, carers and healthcare professionals.
• Procedures for school trips, sports events and extracurricular activities.

A clear allergy policy helps schools provide consistent care and supports effective emergency planning.

Preparing for Benedict's Law

Benedict's Law is strengthening allergy safety in schools by introducing clearer expectations around allergy management, staff training and emergency preparedness.

Secondary schools should review their procedures to ensure they align with the latest Department for Education guidance by:

• Reviewing allergy policies.
• Updating Individual Healthcare Plans.
• Providing regular allergy awareness training.
• Reviewing emergency response procedures.
• Maintaining access to spare adrenaline auto injectors where appropriate.

Taking action now helps improve pupil safety and supports future compliance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Order EpiPens and Adrenaline Auto Injectors for Your Secondary School

Preparing your secondary school for an allergy emergency starts with having the right equipment in place.

Protect your pupils with reliable access to EpiPens and emergency adrenaline auto injectors. As a registered UK pharmacy, EpiPens for Schools makes it easy for secondary schools to order spare adrenaline auto injectors, with expert advice and a straightforward ordering process.

Whether you're purchasing emergency medication for the first time or replacing devices approaching their expiry date, our team is here to help.

Ready to order? Click here to buy adrenaline auto injectors online today.