YACKANDANDAH PRIMARY SCHOOL

ASTHMA POLICY 2011

PURPOSE:

·  To ensure duty of care is met with the management of Asthma at Yackandandah Primary School.

GUIDELINES:

1.  Assessment and first aid treatment of an asthma attack

A visual display of the 4 step asthma plan will be displayed in the First Aid Room and in first aid kits. This will be a ‘go to’ guide for first aiders in emergencies.

2.  The Asthma Emergency kit must include:

·  A blue reliever puffer (for example Airomir, Asmol, or Ventolin).

·  A spacer device to assist with effective inhalation of the blue reliever medication, for example a Volumatic, Able Spacer or Breath-a-Tech.

·  Clear, written instructions on how to use these medications and devices, plus the steps to be taken in treating an acute asthma attack.

·  70% alcohol swabs e.g. Medi-Swab™ to clean devices after use (see Cleaning spacers and puffers in section 4.5.10.3.2).

3.  Student Asthma Plans

Every student with asthma attending the school should have a written Asthma Action Plan, ideally completed by their medical/health practitioner, in consultation with the student’s parent/carer. It is the responsibility of parents to provide and update this plan as necessary. The Asthma Foundation provides a School Asthma Action Plan.

4.  Training

Staff should be trained in Asthma management as part of their regular First Aid training schedule.

OUTCOMES EXPECTED:

·  All staff with a duty of care for the well being of students are trained to be able to manage an asthma emergency.

·  Asthma plans and equipment are adequately provided and maintained.

RESPONSIBILITY:

The Asthma Policy is the responsibility of the Policy & Communication Sub Committee of the School Council.

ASSOCIATED POLICIES / DOCUMENTS:

·  Medications Policy

·  Camps & Excursions Policy

·  First Aid Policy

·  OSHC Policy Document

·  Yackandandah Kindergarten Policy Document

·  Asthma Foundation: Asthma at School – Notes for school & staff.

REVIEW:

This policy was reviewed in 2015 and is due for further review in 2018.

SAC: Policy\LOTE Policy 2011