Emergency Action Plans (EAPs) for Students with Adrenal Insufficiency

What is an EAP?

An EAP is an abbreviation for Emergency Action Plan. An EAP is an individualized document outlining emergency response steps. For adrenal insufficiency, it's vital for managing adrenal crisis. It often includes the Adrenal Crisis Rescue Authorization.

Why are EAPs Necessary?

Rapid Response: Enables quick intervention during a crisis.
Clarity: Provides clear instructions to minimize confusion.
Legal Protection: Documents authorized procedures.
Communication: Facilitates communication between school, parents, and providers.
Adrenal Crisis Specific: Adrenal crisis is life-threatening, requiring immediate action.

Required EAP / Medication Order

Definition and Purpose: Guides school personnel in responding to adrenal crisis. The EAP resource link is available below.
Key Components and Usage: Includes student information, medication details, administration instructions, crisis signs, emergency contacts, and post-administration monitoring.
Adrenal Crisis Rescue Authorization: Contains parent and provider authorization for emergency medication.
Important Areas: Medication instructions, crisis signs, emergency contacts, medication location, post-administration monitoring, expiration dates, and storage.

EAP Distribution and Storage

Copies to: School nurse, designated staff, administration, parents, and emergency responders (if needed).
Original: Secure location in the school nurse's office.
Copies: Accessible locations like classrooms, offices, health rooms, and with the student during field trips.
Electronic copies must be password protected.

This is an image of page 1 of the Emergency Action Plans form for Emergency Adrenal Crisis Rescue Medication.

*Note - The Emergency Action Plans document has 2 pages in total. To view the entire file, click on the provided resource link below.

Video | Emergency Action Plan and Medication Order

Estimated Time: 5:34 minutes

Now, let's take some time to learn more about Emergency Action plans. This video walks you through the essential Emergency Action Plan and Medication Authorization Form. We'll break down each section, from identifying key information and recognizing minor versus severe symptoms, to understanding medication dosages and proper procedures. By the end, you'll feel confident and prepared to respond effectively.

Stop and Think

Instructions: A student with adrenal insufficiency is showing symptoms.

What are the immediate steps you should take if the symptoms are minor and require an oral hydrocortisone dose?
What are the crucial steps if the symptoms are severe and require an emergency injection?

Check Answers

Minor Symptoms

Call the student’s parent or guardian.
Give the oral hydrocortisone dose listed on the form.
Complete the required documentation.
Follow any additional instructions provided by the student’s healthcare provider.

Severe Symptoms

Call 9-1-1 immediately.
Call the student’s parent or guardian.
Give the emergency hydrocortisone injection.
Stay with the student until emergency medical services arrive.
Give EMS the information they need when they arrive, and make sure to complete any required documentation afterward.

Resource: Download and save the Emergency Action Plan (EAP) for future reference.

Select Next below to continue.