Heya!
It's been at least five years since we've actually DONE one of these, and well over a decade since we did a one-shot inservice training like this.
I have to say that if you can do it in stages-- that seems to result in better overall training.
1. Provide INFORMATION-- that is, about which allergens, some common (and unexpected) sources, info about past reactions
I used red in the layman's terms version of the Anaphylaxis Grading Chart, and WHEN TO EPI, and the protocol to follow for allergic reactions or suspected ones in any event.
Provide your contact information and set up a meeting time. People seem to need a minimum of a week to process the information, honestly.
2. Encourage questions-- make eye contact and ask if there is ANYTHING-- truly, anything-- that anyone would like to ask you or know about. Anything confusing? No? Remind them that you are there as a resource for them professionally-- that they should feel free to check with you or ask questions as things come up. PLEASE ask-- because this
is effectively your professional expertise at this point in time, having lived with this so long.
3. Train with Epi. I like to use oranges in coffee mugs or small bowls.
I agree that it is encouraging that they are open-minded and not over-confident.
What are you
hoping for w/r/t lunchroom accommodations?
Do you have evidence (in terms of past reaction history) to support asking for that level of accommodation? your allergist?