Responding to Unexpected Health Emergencies

Administrative Procedure: 315

RESPONDING TO UNEXPECTED HEALTH EMERGENCIES

Background

The District recognizes that at times unexpected health emergencies may occur which require timely and effective response. Unexpected health emergency incidents can occur without warning and require immediate intervention before emergency responders arrive. Ensuring that schools are equipped and prepared to respond supports student and staff safety at school, enabling school communities to focus on learning and well-being while increasing confidence and security.   Focus, in addition to timely intervention, is on the dignity and privacy of the individual(s) involved.  The District is committed to providing barrier-free access in a non-stigmatizing manner in supporting the diverse needs of those requiring support.  This includes recognizing that stigma associated with certain medical conditions such as mental health issues or substance use, can act as a barrier to support and treatment.

The District recognizes the authority accorded parents/legal guardians of children. The Superintendent therefore directs staff members to refrain from offering consent for medical treatment of students. However, in cases of injury or illness which occur to students on school grounds, in the school, or on a site where a school-sponsored activity is being held, the supervising teacher or Principal will act as a responsible guardian and seek appropriate and immediate treatment. Parent/legal guardians will be informed as soon as practicably possible. Emergency student transportation authorized by staff members is to be by the safest possible means. The Superintendent, however, acknowledges in emergency situations, quick action may be critical to the health of the child.

Guidelines

  1. In the case of a serious accident requiring emergency treatment, the Principal or designate must take the action they feel is required for treatment.
    • It is preferable to phone the parent and identify the physician or surgeon to whom the student is to be taken.
    • If time and urgency do not permit, the Principal is to obtain immediate medical aid.

 

  1. The removal of the student from the school is to be done with the approval of, and under the direction of, medical authorities, whenever possible.

 

  1. Students with severe medical conditions may require emergency intervention by school staff. These conditions are physician-diagnosed and potentially life-threatening. Parents and guardians work in partnership with schools to keep schools informed regarding their child’s medical conditions to ensure the school is aware of and can support appropriate care at school. In the case of preexisting conditions which involve training school staff to provide specific health-related care for students, staff will follow the preestablished care plans developed under the direction of the Fraser Health Authority.

 

  1. Safety tools, including automated external defibrillators (AEDs) and naloxone kits will be provided and available in every elementary and secondary school. Access will include the following:

 

  • Tools will be clearly marked to support easy identification and use. The location will be identified by the school and communicated to all staff.
  • Routine inspections, at minimum yearly, will be conducted to ensure functionality and monitor expiry dates
  • Identified staff will receive training which will include instruction on the administration of such tools

 

  1. In the case of an accident occurring in the school, on the grounds, or at a school function whenever or wherever held, an incident report must be completed and filed in within twenty-four (24) Every accident of a serious nature, or potentially serious nature, must be reported immediately to a medical authority on the prescribed form.

 

For students who have medical needs that require, or might require, regular or emergency medication, Administrative Procedure 316 – Administration of Medication will apply.  For those students who may experience anaphylaxis, please see Administrative Procedure 317 – Life-Threatening Allergic Reactions.

Glossary

 

Automated external defibrillator (AED):  a portable device that analyzes the heart’s rhythm during a sudden cardiac arrest and delivers an electric shock to restore a normal heartbeat

 

Naloxone Kit: a package containing the fast-acting medication naloxone, which is used to temporarily reverse the effects of an opioid overdose or poisoning. The primary purpose of the kit is to restore normal breathing and central nervous system function in a person whose breathing has slowed or stopped due to an opioid overdose, potentially saving their life until emergency medical services arrive.

 

 

See School Act (PDF) – Sections 88(1) and 168(2)(t)

See Support Services for Schools Order (PDF) (M149/ 89)

Good Samaritan Act

Administrative Procedure 316 – Administration of Medication

Administrative Procedure 317 – Life-Threatening Allergic Reactions.

K-12 Mental Health Promotion: Key Principles and Strategies

Updated: Nov 2025

Procedure 315