Storage and Care of the Spare, Back-up AAI

The Department of Health recommends that the spare, back-up AAI should be stored as part of a school emergency kit, in a central location no more than 5 mins from high risk areas (canteen, classroom, playground). It could also be stored with an emergency asthma inhaler kit. In large schools, more than one kit may be required.

The school’s emergency kit should be clearly labelled and separate from individual children’s kits to avoid confusion.

It is recommended for schools to store a generic Allergy Action Plan with the spare, back-up AAI.

The BSACI Allergy Action plan can be downloaded here.

Guidance on Emergency Kits from the Department of Health

The guidance from the Department of Health states that the emergency kit should include:

	The spare AAI(s).
	Instructions for using and storing the device(s). *
	The manufacturer’s information.
	A checklist of all the AAI’s stored in the school, identified by batch number and expiry date with monthly checks recorded.
	A note of the arrangements for replacing the injectors.
	A list or register of pupils to whom the AAI can be administered.
	A record of cases where an AAI was administered in the school.

*AAI’s should be stored in a cool and dark place at room temperature (15 - 25°C).

Storing them at lower temps risks damaging the device.

Similarly the AAI should be kept away from direct sunlight and sources of heat.