We are pleased to advise that deep linking capability, enabling users to directly download individual mobile toolkits, has now been released on the RDS mobile app. You will see that each toolkit has a small QR code icon in the header area beside the search icon – see screenshot below. Clicking on this icon will open up a window with a full-size QR code and the alternative of a short URL for sharing with users. Instructions are provided.
You may need to actively update to the latest release - RDS app version 4.7.1 - to see this improvement.
Updating to this latest version of the RDS app is also strongly recommended to get the full benefits of the new resilience arrangements – specifically, that if the RDS website should fail, you will still be able to download new mobile app toolkits. To check your current RDS version, click on the three dots bottom right of the RDS app screen. This takes you to a “More” page where you will see the version number. To install latest updates:
On iPhones – go to the Apple store, click on your profile icon top right, scroll down to see the apps waiting to be updated and update the RDS app.
On Android phones – these can vary, but try going to the Google Play store, click on your profile icon top right, click on “Manage apps and device”, select and update the RDS app.
Please get in touch with ann.wales3@nhs.scot with any questions.
The 
Department for Health allows schools to purchase spare, back-up AAI’s for use on pupils who have been deemed at risk of anaphylaxis and have medical authorisation and parental consent for use. This acts as a back-up safety measure, ensuring that emergency medication will be available if needed. Although schools are encouraged to take on this initiative, they are not required to store spare, back-up AAI’s.
AAI’s are available in different doses, depending on the manufacturer: The Resuscitation Council (UK) recommends that healthcare professionals treat anaphylaxis using the age-based criteria as follows:
|
Age |
Brand of AAI |
||
|
|
Epipen |
Jext |
Emerade |
|
Under 6 years |
0.15 mg |
0.15 mg |
0.15 mg* |
|
6-12 years |
0.3 mg |
0.3 mg |
0.3 mg |
|
12+ years |
0.3 mg |
0.3 mg |
0.3 mg or 0.5 mg** |
*Product not available, see BNFc important Safety Information
** If > 60 kg; if small or pre-pubertal offer 0.3 mg
It is a matter for schools to decide the brand and quantity of AAI to order. Some have a longer expiry date and schools may wish to take this into consideration. It is recommended schools purchase the brand of AAI that is most commonly prescribed to its pupils. Schools may need to purchase two 0.15 mg dose AAI and two 0.3mg dose AAI based on the age of registered pupils with allergy. The decision as to how many devices and brands to purchase will depend on local circumstances and is left to the discretion of the school. Some schools may wish to seek appropriate medical advice when deciding which AAI device (s) are most appropriate.
For further advice, refer to the Scottish Government guidance here, the Department for Health guidance here and Spare pens in schools here.
The Spare, back-up AAI is to be used when the pupil’s own device is not available e.g. due to being:
Expired
Broken
Misfired or injected incorrectly
Forgotten
They also act as a back-up in cases where a second dose of adrenaline is required but the pupil has only one AAI available.
Spare, back-up AAI’s can be purchased by sending an order form to pharmacies. Currently there are no funding arrangements in place, so schools are required to purchase the spare, back-up AAI as a retail item.
Pricing information can be found here.
More information on purchasing devices from pharmacies can be found here.
The form for ordering spare AAI’s from pharmacies can be downloaded here.
School allergy care