Vancouver Island public school should be well on their way toward meeting a B.C. education ministry directive ensuring schools are ready to deal with heart attacks and drug overdoses.
In July, the ministry decreed schools have naloxone kits and automated external defibrillators on hand to deal with emergencies. It is instructing school districts to develop related policies and to have the precautions in place at high schools by Dec. 31 and at primary schools by the start of the 2026-27 school year.
Nanaimo-Ladysmith's administrative procedure was introduced to trustees at a strategic directions committee meeting Wednesday, Oct. 8, and includes language directing that schools have staff trained in first aid, including use of AEDs and administering naloxone, and that the items be inspected regularly and replaced if necessary.
Mark Walsh, secretary-treasurer, said SD68 was proactive with policy already in place for defibrillators at all high schools and at elementary schools where there is a need. Work will now consist of expanding the policy and aligning it with ministry requirements, he said.
Trustee Chantelle Morvay wondered about having people trained to use AEDs and naloxone at activities that take place at school after hours and the secretary-treasurer said the district is actively looking to address this and will report back to the board on the matter at a later date.
"That's a great question that we are going to take to our senior leadership team when we talk about implementation, because I think we were envisioning times when we're legislatively obligated to have that trained individual within the school…" he said. "We've contemplated that specific scenario."
Jessica Krog-Irving, Nanaimo-Ladysmith district parent advisory council president, feels that staff and school administration are doing a good job preparing for unexpected health emergencies. She said more defibrillators, while costly, "can be a literal life-saver."
The DPAC president said she has not heard about any drug use by students on school grounds, but has heard about members of the public using drugs at school sites, generally outside school hours, and thinks having naloxone on hand is wise.
"Illicit drug use is prohibited on all school grounds," she said. "Having kits and staff who are trained in first aid is a sensible approach. It would be far more traumatic for everyone regardless of age to witness someone pass away on school grounds … Even one or two occasions at any school can feel very upsetting, especially at the elementary level. But unfortunately this is starting to become a reality in many communities across B.C."
She also said the school district is educating students on the dangers of illicit substances.
"It’s generally a topic for older students, and from my experience most students are receiving quality, age-appropriate education about drug use," Krog-Irving said.
