Plan safe trips and excursions
Plan ahead to prevent, and be prepared for, possible allergic reactions.
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Prepare for trips
Prepare for trips
Visit the site prior to the trip to identify possible causes of allergic reactions such as plants with pollen, insects which may bite, or animals.
![11735 [Group-school-trip-nature-01.jpeg]](https://inclusive-live-storagestack-assetstorages3bucket-3uty0hejzw6u.s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/public/inclusive-education/example-images/Group-school-trip-nature-01__ScaleMaxWidthWzEwODZd.jpeg)
Source: Ministry of Education
Self-review checklist
Self-review checklist
Ensure barriers to participation and potential health risks are identified.
- Communicate trip intentions to students, parents, and whānau ahead of time to provide opportunities for them to report any allergy risks.
- Identify individuals with allergies.
- Collect up-to-date allergy information from parents and whānau.
- Scope the area being visited to identify possible hazards, such as grasses or bees.
- Identify first-aid helpers.
- Check and update medical kits.
- Ensure students have their medication with expiry dates checked.
- Make the completed RAMS form available to all staff and helpers.
- Include copies of allergy action plans with the RAMS form. Make them accessible to staff and helpers at all times.
- Include key cell phone numbers and contacts on the RAMS form.
Manage risk assessment
Manage risk assessment
To assist in your safety planning, download a risk assessment form and amend it to meet your centre or school’s needs.
- EOTC risk assessment form (RAM) – school
- Excursion risk assessment form – ECE.
![11736 [Risk-assessment-1.png]](https://inclusive-live-storagestack-assetstorages3bucket-3uty0hejzw6u.s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/public/inclusive-education/example-images/Risk-assessment-1__ScaleMaxWidthWzEwODZd.png)
Source: Ministry of Education
Plan together
Plan together
Ask children and young people to identify potential risks and steps they could take to keep themselves and others safe.
Use stories to support discussions. e.g. Jeremy’s first school camp.
Source: Ministry of Education
Overnight trips and camps
Overnight trips and camps
Considerations for planning a safe and successful camp
- Review student allergy and anaphylaxis action plans and take copies with you.
- Check that school camp and excursion medical forms are up-to-date.
- Check the dosage and administration of any medication taken on the trip. Ensure it is recorded on the RAM sheet.
- Communicate with the camp and provide it with specific dietary requirements.
- Talk with students about preventing allergic reactions and emergency treatment.
- Identify students who self-manage their allergy medication and ensure they have it with them before leaving on the trip.
- If students are carrying their own medication, know where it is for quick, easy access.
- Take a spare EpiPen in the first-aid kit.
- Revisit allergy and anaphylaxis first-aid procedures.
- Check with families and whānau to establish the level of support students need to manage their allergies. For example, they may need support or reminders to use their medication.
- Example form used by a school to gather information from students and parent helpers for EOTC week.
Useful resources
Useful resources
Examples of risk minimisation strategies for schools, preschools and childcare services
Read time: 12 min
This is a practical list of issues to be considered when developing policies and processes for dealing with allergies.
Publisher: Allergy & Anaphylaxis Australia
Download PDF
Camp allergy management checklist
Read time: 3 min
This help sheet provides information to support camp staff and groups attending camps to prepare for a safe experience for those at risk of anaphylaxis.
Publisher: Allergy & Anaphylaxis Australia
Download PDF
Next steps
More suggestions for implementing the strategy “Create an inclusive learning environment”:
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Current page Plan safe trips and excursions
Return to the guide “Allergies and learning”
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How to use this site
Guide to Index of the guide: Allergies and learning
Understand:
Strategies for action:
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Recognise and respond to allergic reactionsShow suggestions for Recognise and respond to allergic reactions
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Develop and implement health and safety policies and proceduresShow suggestions for Develop and implement health and safety policies and procedures
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Create inclusive systemsShow suggestions for Create inclusive systems
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Create an inclusive learning environmentShow suggestions for Create an inclusive learning environment
- Design for full participation
- Create safe eating environments
- Reduce airborne allergy triggers
- Use the classroom curriculum
- Use Te Whāriki
- Plan safe trips and excursions
