Medical Conditions at School

Parents and guardians work in partnership with schools to ensure children with medical or life-threatening conditions receive appropriate care at school.

Parent and/or guardian responsibilities

Your responsibilities as a parent or guardian include the following:

• Notify the school and the Public Health Nurse to arrange training about your child's medical condition.
• Write a detailed care plan (form provided by the school) which includes the doctor's prescribed treatment and any medications which must be administered at school. This plan should be updated yearly or more often as needed.
• Supply any medication required such as an Epi-pen or inhaler. Expired medications will not be accepted or used.
• Order a MedicAlert bracelet (1-800-668-1507) or allergy badge for the child to wear at all times.

School responsibilities

• Store medication/equipment in a location that is safe, at room temperature (unless noted otherwise), easily accessible, labeled and unlocked.
• A medical equipment kit should contain a recent photo of the child, emergency procedure/instructions, prescribed medication, and (if applicable) a cork to push a used needle into and/or a puncture-proof container (e.g. a clear water bottle). A fanny pack with the above items should be taken on all field trips.
• Ensure that all staff (including temporary staff) are aware of the children in the school with severe medical conditions and are trained to give treatment and/or prescribed medications in an emergency.

Medications at school

Parents are responsible for making sure their child gets necessary medications. School Boards recognize that there are rare times when it is essential for school staff to help a child by giving medications. Each school district develops policy for management of emergency medical conditions and administration of medication in school.

Parents must complete a Request for Administration of Medication in School form (provided by the school), if it is necessary for their child to be given medicine at school.This form must be:

• Updated when changes to medications or care plans occur.
• Completed and updated each school year or more often, as needed.

MedicAlert identification

Any child with a serious medical condition should have identification with them, such as a MedicAlert bracelet, necklace or badge.

MedicAlert tells emergency staff:

• Your child's name
• What condition they have
• What treatment is needed
• Who to contact in case of emergency

MedicAlert products and ordering information can be found at your doctor's office, drugstore or by visiting www.medicalert.ca or calling 1-800-668-1507.