Asthma affects up to one in four primary aged children, one
in seven teenagers and one in ten adults. It is important therefore for all
staff members to be aware of asthma, its symptoms and triggers, and the management
of asthma in a school environment.
Aims:
To manage asthma and asthma sufferers as effectively and
efficiently as possible at school.
Implementation:
Professional development will be provided for all staff on
the nature, prevention and treatment of asthma attacks. Emphasis will be on
the recognition of common symptoms - including difficulty exhaling, wheezy
breathing, dry and irritating cough, tightness in the chest and difficulty
speaking.
Such information will also be displayed
on the wall in the sick bay.
All students with asthma must have an up to date (annual)
written asthma management plan consistent with Asthma Victoria’s requirements
completed the parent, doctor or paediatrician.
Asthma plans will be attached to the student’s record for
reference and a copy kept on confidential file in the sick bay.
Classroom and Specialist teachers will be informed of the
students who require medication before physical exercise (in accordance with
the information provided in the student’s asthma management plan)
Parents/guardians are responsible for ensuring their children
have an adequate supply of appropriate asthma medication (including a spacer)
with them at school at all times.
The school will provide reliever puffers (blue canister eg.
Ventolin, Bricanyl) and spacer devices in all first-aid kits, including kits
on excursions and camps. Staff will be trained in the administration of these
medications, including steps to be taken to treat moderate and severe asthma
attacks.
All devices used for the delivery of asthma medication will
be cleaned appropriately after each use, in accordance with the SOTF Reference
Guide – Cleaning of Delivery Devices.
A nebuliser pump will not be used by the school staff.
Children who develop early symptoms or signs of an asthma
attack will be treated immediately in accordance with their asthma plan.
If no asthma plan is available children are to be sat down
and reassured. Reliever medication (blue canister) is then to be delivered
via a spacer following these steps
Deliver one puff of reliever
Inhale one breath, hold for 4 seconds then exhale.
Repeat for a further 3 breaths.
Repeat steps 1. and 2. a further three times (a total
of 4 puffs, 16 breaths)
Wait 4 minutes.
If there is no improvement repeat steps 1. 2. 3. and
4.
An ambulance must be called if there is no improvement
after the second 4-minute wait period, or if it is the child’s first
known attack.]
Parents must be contacted whenever their child suffers an
asthma attack
Evaluation:
This policy will be reviewed as part of the school’s three-year
review cycle.
This policy was last ratified by School Council in.... June
2002