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AP 19-40a Campus-Wide Epinephrine Auto-Injector Procedure

Arapahoe Community College
Series 19 - Safety and Security
AP 19-40a Campus-Wide Epinephrine Auto-Injector Procedure

Originated: August 27, 2024

Effective: August 27, 2024

References: Epinephrine auto-injectors at institutions of higher education (Section 23-5-149, C.R.S.) 

Approved:

Diana M. Doyle, Ph.D.
President, Arapahoe Community College

PURPOSE

To the extent that any provision of this Procedure is inconsistent with State or Federal law, State Board for Community Colleges and Occupational Education Policies (BPs) or Colorado Community College System President’s Procedures (SPs), the law, BPs and SPs shall supersede and control. BPs and SPs are subject to change throughout the year and are effective immediately upon adoption by the Board or System President, respectively. Students are expected to be familiar with and adhere to the BPs, SPs and College directives, including this Procedure. 

Nothing in this Procedure is intended to create (nor shall be construed as creating) an express or implied contract. The College reserves the right to modify, change, delete or add to this Procedure as it deems appropriate. 

Anaphylaxis poses a severe threat to individuals, potentially leading to life-threatening reactions affecting breathing and circulation. Epinephrine auto-injectors are critical in reversing anaphylaxis symptoms.  The purpose of this Campus-Wide Epinephrine Auto-Injector Procedure is to establish guidelines and procedures for the safe and effective administration of epinephrine auto-injectors to individuals experiencing anaphylaxis on Arapahoe Community College (ACC and/or College) property. ACC acknowledges the importance of timely intervention in cases of anaphylaxis and is committed to maintaining a prepared and responsive campus environment. 

SCOPE

This procedure applies to all ACC locations and units. It does not cover personally prescribed auto-injectors or situations where authorized healthcare professionals administer emergency care. 

DEFINITIONS

Anaphylaxis: A severe, life-threatening allergic reaction that can affect several areas of the body and may compromise breathing and circulation. 

Epinephrine Auto-Injector: A device designed to automatically inject a dose of epinephrine into the body to counteract severe allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis.

Authorized Agent: An employee or volunteer acting on behalf of Arapahoe Community College, trained and authorized to administer epinephrine auto-injectors.

Administer: Direct application of epinephrine auto-injector.

Administrative Unit: A department or program within the College.

PROCEDURE

Summary

The use of epinephrine auto-injectors at ACC will adhere to the guidelines outlined in this procedure.

Details

  1. Establishment of an Epinephrine Auto-Injector Program
    Criteria for establishing an epinephrine auto-injector program at ACC include:
    • Conducting risk assessments to identify areas and activities prone to allergen exposure leading to potential anaphylaxis.
    • Ensuring sufficient resources for proper storage, training, and administration of auto-injectors.
    • Collaborating with administrative units to tailor program implementation to specific operational needs.
  2. Maintenance and Storage
    1. Storage
      • Auto-injectors are stored in clearly-marked, accessible areas designated for authorized agents.
    2. Maintenance
      • Regular inspections are conducted by Campus Police to verify expiration dates and ensure device integrity.
      • A detailed log of inspections is maintained by Campus Police to track device status and any necessary actions. The log will be stored in central location in the EMOG Teams site.
    3. Disposal
      • Expired auto-injectors must be promptly returned to Campus Police department for proper disposal according to regulatory guidelines.
  3. Training Requirements
    • Training Program:
      • Authorized agents complete an anaphylaxis training program.
      • The Training program should cover;
        • Recognition of severe allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis symptoms.
        • Proper standards and procedures for auto-injector storage and administration. 
        • Emergency follow-up procedures post-administration emphasizing the importance of contacting emergency medical services promptly. 
    • Training Records
      • The Emergency Medical Services program shall maintain comprehensive training records for all authorized agents; such records are accessible to Campus Police Department and Fiscal Services. The training records will be stored in central location at EMOG Teams site. 
  4. Post-Incident Reporting
    • Reporting Procedure:
      • Individuals who administered auto-injectors provide detailed reports on incidences to Campus Police department and Fiscal Services. The reports will be stored in central location at EMOG Teams site.
      • Reports include information such as the incident date, time, location, personnel involved, and subsequent medical response.
  5. Exceptions
    • Personal auto-injectors and situations involving healthcare professionals with specific training and authorization to use them are exempted from this procedure.
  6. Consequences for Noncompliance
    • Units failing to comply with this procedure's requirements may be denied access to auto-injectors.
    • Unauthorized acquisition or use of auto-injectors may result in disciplinary action, including personal liability.

Revising This Procedure

ACC reserves the right to change any provision or requirement of this procedure at any time, and such changes shall become effective immediately upon adoption.