Student Care Policy & Procedures
Rationale:
The policy outlines the college’s responsibility and procedures in respect of our
“responsibility to provide equitable access to education and respond to diverse student
needs, including health care needs”. Confidential records of all students with specific health
needs are maintained securely in the general office for reference as required. A First Aid
Register is also maintained noting ailments and treatment for all presenting students.
Section 1: First Aid Policy & Procedures
Aim:
 Administer first aid to children when in need in a competent and timely manner.
 Communicate children’s health problems to parents when considered necessary.
 Provide supplies and facilities to cater for the administering of first aid.
 Maintain a sufficient number of staff members trained with a level 2 first aid
certificate.
 Identify staff as first aid officers, including their level of training and training expiry
date
Implementation:
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A sufficient number of staff (including at least 1 administration staff member) to be
trained to a level 2 first aid certificate, and with up-to-date CPR qualifications.
A Health Centre will be available for use at all times. A comprehensive supply of
basic first aid materials will be stored in a locked cupboard in the Health Centre.
Supervision of the Health Centre will be provided by an Assistant Principle in the
absence of the school nurse. Any children in the Health Centre will be supervised by
a staff member at all times.
A confidential up-to-date register (secured) located in the Health Centre room will
be kept of all injuries or illnesses experienced by children that require first aid.
All staff will be provided with basic first aid management skills, including blood
spills, and a supply of protective disposable gloves will be available for use by staff.
Minor injuries only will be treated by the nominated staff member, while more
serious injuries-including those requiring parents to be notified or suspected
treatment by a doctor - require a level 2 first aid trained staff member to provide
first aid.
Any children with injuries involving blood must have the wound covered at all
times.
No medication including headache tablets will be administered to children
without the express written permission of parents or guardians.
Parents of all children who receive first aid will receive a completed form indicating
the nature of the injury, any treatment given, and the name of the person providing
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the first aid. For more serious injuries/illnesses, the parents/guardians must be
contacted by the administration staff so that professional treatment may be
organised. Any injuries to a child’s head, face, neck or back must be reported to
parents/guardian.
Any student who is collected from school by parents/guardians as a result of an
injury, or who is administered treatment by a doctor/hospital or ambulance officer
as a result of an injury, or has an injury to the head, face, neck or back, or where a
teacher considers the injury to be greater than “minor” will be reported on
Department of Education Accident/Injury form LE375, and entered onto CASES.
Students may be signed out form the Health Centre.
Parents who collect children from school for any reason (other than emergency)
must sign the child out of the school in a register maintained in the school office.
Students who attend the Health Centre may be signed out form the Health Centre.
All teachers have the authority to call an ambulance immediately in an emergency.
If the situation and time permit, a teacher may confer with others before deciding on
an appropriate course of action.
All school camps will have at least one Level 2 first aid trained staff member at all
times.
A comprehensive first aid kit will accompany all camps, along with a mobile phone.
All children attending camps or excursions will have provided a signed medical form
providing medical detail and giving teachers permission to contact a doctor or
ambulance should instances arise where their child requires treatment. Copies of
the signed medical forms to be taken on camps and excursions, as well as kept at
school.
All children, especially those with a documented asthma management plan, will
have access to Ventolin and a spacer at all times.
The school nurse is responsible for the purchase and maintenance of first aid
supplies, first aid kits, ice packs and the general upkeep of the Health Centre.
At the commencement of each year, requests for updated first aid information will
be sent home including requests for any asthma, diabetes and anaphylaxis
management plans, high priority medical forms, and reminders to parents of the
policies and practices used by the school to manage first aid, illnesses and
medications throughout the year.
General organisational matters relating to first aid will be communicated to staff at
the beginning of each year. Revisions of recommended procedures for administering
asthma, diabetes and anaphylaxis medication will also be given at that time.
It is recommended that all students have personal accident insurance and
ambulance cover. The College will call for an ambulance if deemed necessary,
but will not be responsible for any cost incurred as a result of the call out.
Section 2: Accidents and Incidents Reporting/Register
When an accident / incident occur, the following is to be undertaken by staff on hand:
1.
First aid action is to be taken as required. Send a reliable student if necessary to
the office to seek trained first aid assistance and administration assistance.
2.
Seek assistance from nearby staff if necessary.
3.
Any serious accident or incident is to be reported immediately to school
administration.
4.
All accidents and incidents are to be reported as soon as possible to the college
office and required documentation completed.
5.
If an ambulance is called, emergency management will be notified. The college
will not be responsible for the cost of the ambulance
NOTES:
All accidents and incidents involving injury are also to be entered online in the injury
management system on CASES21
Incidents to staff may also be notifiable under WorkSafe. All incidents involving staff must be
reported to administration.
Section 3: Assessment and First Aid Treatment of an Asthma attack
If a student develops signs of what appears to be an asthma attack, appropriate care
must be given immediately.
Assessing the severity of an asthma attack:
Asthma attacks can be:
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Mild - this may involve coughing, a soft wheeze, minor difficulty in breathing
and no difficulty speaking in sentences
Moderate - this may involve a persistent cough, loud wheeze, obvious difficulty
in breathing and ability to speak only in short sentences
Severe - the student is often very distressed and anxious, gasping for breath,
unable to speak more than a few words, pale and sweaty and may have blue lips.
All students judged to be having a severe asthma attack require emergency
medical assistance.
Call an ambulance (dial 000), notify the student’s emergency contact and follow the ‘4
Step Asthma First Aid Plan’ while waiting for the ambulance to arrive. When calling the
ambulance state clearly that a student is having ‘breathing difficulties.’ The ambulance
service will give priority to a person suffering extreme shortness of breath. Regardless
of whether an attack of asthma has been assessed as mild, moderate or severe, Asthma
First Aid (as detailed below) must commence immediately. The danger in any asthma
situation is delay. Delay may increase the severity of the attack and ultimately risk the
student’s life.
Asthma First Aid
If the student has an Asthma Action Plan, follow the first aid procedure immediately. If
no, Asthma Action Plan is available in the steps outlined below should be taken
immediately.
The 4 Step Asthma First Aid Plan (displayed in the Health Centre):
Step 1: Sit the student down in as quiet an atmosphere as possible. Breathing is easier
sitting rather than lying down. Be calm and reassuring. Do not leave the student alone.
Step 2: Without delay give 4 separate puffs of a blue reliever medication (Airomir,
Asmol, Epaq or Ventolin). The medication is best given one puff at a time via a spacer
device. If a spacer device is not available, simply use the puffer on its own. Ask the
person to take 4 breaths from the spacer after each puff of medication.
Step 3: Wait 4 minutes. If there is little or no improvement repeat steps 2 and 3.
Step 4: If there is still little or no improvement; call an ambulance immediately (dial
000). State clearly that a student is having ‘breathing difficulties.’
Continuously repeat steps 2 and 3 while waiting for the ambulance.
Section 4: Assessment and First Aid Treatment of Anaphylaxis/Anaphylaxis
Management Policy & Procedures
What is anaphylaxis?
Anaphylaxis is a severe, rapidly progressive allergic reaction that is potentially life
threatening. Although allergic reactions are common in children, severe life threatening
allergic reactions are uncommon and deaths are rare. However, deaths have occurred
and anaphylaxis is therefore regarded as a medical emergency that requires a rapid
response.
Signs and symptoms
The symptoms of a mild to moderate allergic reaction can include:
• Swelling of the lips, face and eyes
• Hives or welts
• Abdominal pain and/or vomiting.
Symptoms of anaphylaxis (a severe allergic reaction) can include:
• Difficulty breathing or noisy breathing
• Swelling of the tongue
• Swelling/tightness in the throat
• Difficulty talking and/or a hoarse voice
• Wheezing or persistent coughing
• Loss of consciousness and/or collapse
• Young children may appear pale and floppy.
Symptoms usually develop within 10 minutes to one hour of exposure to an allergen but
can appear within a few minutes.
The role and responsibilities of the first aider
This principal’s nominee has overall responsibility for implementing strategies and
processes for ensuring a safe and supporting environment for students at risk of
anaphylaxis. The principal’s nominee will:
 Actively seek information to identify students with severe life
threatening allergies at enrolment.
 Conduct a risk assessment of the potential for accidental exposure to
allergens while the student is in the care of the school.
 Request that parents provide an ASCIA (Australasian Society of Clinical
Immunology and Allergy) Action Plan that has been signed by the
student’s medical practitioner and has an up to date photograph of the
student
 Ensure that parents provide the student’s EpiPen® and that it is not out
of date. This will be stored in the Health Centre.
 Ensure that staff obtains training in how to recognise and respond to an
anaphylactic reaction, including administering an EpiPen®.
 Develop a communication plan to raise student, staff and parent
awareness about severe allergies and the school’s policies.
 Provide information to all staff so that they are aware of students who
are at risk of anaphylaxis, the student’s allergies, the school’s
management strategies and first aid procedures. Ensure that there are
procedures in place for informing casual relief teachers of students at
risk of anaphylaxis and the steps required for prevention and emergency
response.
 Ensure that any external canteen provider can demonstrate satisfactory
training in the area of anaphylaxis and its implications on food handling
practices.
 Allocate time, such as during staff meetings, to discuss, practice and
review the school’s management strategies for students at risk of
anaphylaxis. Practice using the trainer EpiPen® regularly.
 Encourage ongoing communication between parents/carers and staff
about the current status of the student’s allergies, the school’s policies
and their implementation.
 Review the student’s Anaphylaxis Management Plan annually or if the student’s
circumstances change, in consultation with parents.
 (706) Schools can purchase and use adrenaline injectors for general use in the
event of an emergency where no other devices are available, and a student is
having a first-time reaction without a medical diagnosis of anaphylaxis.
Individual Anaphylaxis Management Plans:
Every student who has been diagnosed as at risk of anaphylaxis will have an individual
Anaphylaxis Management Plan.
The student’s Anaphylaxis Management Plan will clearly set out:
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The type of allergy or allergies.
The student’s emergency contact details.
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practical strategies to minimise the risk of exposure to allergens for in-school
and out of class settings, including:
» during classroom activities
» in canteens or during lunch or snack times
» before and after school, in the yard and during breaks
» for special events such as incursions, sport days or class parties
» for excursions and camps.
the name of the person/s responsible for implementing the strategies.
information on where the EpiPen® will be stored.
The Anaphylaxis Management Plan will also include an individual ASCIA Action Plan,
which sets out the emergency procedures to be taken in the event of an allergic reaction.
(ASCIA, the Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy, is the peak body of
immunologists and allergists in Australia).
Section 5: Head Lice
Head lice (pediculosis) are tiny insects that live on the human scalp where they feed and
breed. While head lice do not carry or transmit disease, they are the most common
cause of head itch and scratching which may lead to infection and swollen lymph glands.
Therefore, they need to be eradicated. Anyone can catch head lice. Head lice cannot fly,
hop or jump. They spread from person to person by head to head contact, and by the
sharing of personal items such as combs, brushes and head gear such as hats.
Implementation:
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While teachers and other staff members may believe that a child is infested with
head lice, they are not permitted or qualified to search a child’s hair, inspect for
head lice, or diagnose a case of head lice.
Parents/guardians permission will be obtained before a child’s hair is inspected
for head lice. Teachers or staff members suspecting that a child has head lice are
to report their concerns to the college nurse who will carry out the necessary
inspections.
Upon positive identification of head lice, the nurse will ensure that the
parents/guardians of any infected child are contacted as soon as possible and
informed that their child is to be excluded from attending school in accordance
with the Health (Infectious Diseases) Regulations 2001 until the child has been
treated.
The nurse will ensure all parents/guardians of children in the same class as the
infected child will be informed so they can monitor their own child/children.
Parent/guardian assistance from home is imperative to keep head lice to a
minimum.
The nurse will also provide parents/guardians of infected children with
information about head lice treatment and prevention
On the child’s return to school, the classroom teacher should then send the child
to the nurse, who will check the child’s head to ensure the treatment has been
successful
The nurse will ensure that information relating to the prevention and
eradication of head lice appears throughout the year in the college newsletter,
particularly at times of heavy outbreaks.
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If permission is NOT given by the parents/guardians and the child is suspected of
having head lice, the matter will be referred to the relevant assistant principal or
principal and the parents/guardians will be phoned to collect child.
Section 6: Sun Policy
Australia has the highest incidence of skin cancer in the world, with two out of three
Australians developing some form of skin cancer during their lifetime. Over-exposure to
the sun during childhood and adolescence is known to be a major cause of skin cancer.
Implementation:
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All students will be encouraged to wear hats during terms 1 and 4 whenever they
are outside.
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Staff are also encouraged to wear hats when outside.
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Students will be encouraged to wear a broad-spectrum water resistant sunscreen
(SPF30+). Sunscreen will be provided for sport and excursions. However students
will be encouraged to provide their own sunscreen whilst at school.
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Students and staff members are encouraged to wear sunglasses for outdoor use.
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Whenever possible, outside activities on hot days should be scheduled before
11.00am.
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Adequate shade structures for students will be provided—particularly over eating
areas and leisure locations. Temporary shade structures are to be erected at events
such as swimming or athletics.
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The school newsletter and school assemblies will be used to highlight and reinforce
the sun policy. The policy will be published in the student handbook.
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The school will work in conjunction with the maintenance team to ensure adequate
shade is provided.
Section 7: Administration of Medication/Distribution of medication procedures
The college has an administration of medication procedure which outlines the school’s
processes and protocols regarding the management of prescribed and non-prescribed
medication to students at this school.
All medications, including prescription as well as non-prescription medication, including
analgesics, such as paracetamol and aspirin and other medications which can be
purchased over the counter without a prescription, are to be administered by school
personnel following the processes and protocols set out in the medication management
procedures of the school. In order to ensure that the interests of staff, students and
parents/guardians/approved persons are not compromised, medication will only be
administered with explicit written permission from parent/guardian/approved person,
or in the case of an emergency, with permission of a medical practitioner.
When administering prescription medication on behalf of parent/Guardian, the written
advice received must be supported by specific written instructions on the original
medication bottle or container, such as that on the pharmacists label noting the name of
the student, dosage and time to be administered. Analgesics can mask signs and
symptoms of serious illness or injury and will not, therefore, be administered by the
school, as a standard first aid strategy. Therefore analgesics such as aspirin and
paracetamol will not be stored in the school’s first aid kit.
The principal nominee administering medication needs to ensure that:
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the right child;
has the right medication;
and the right dose;
by the right route (for example, oral or inhaled);
at the right time; and
that they write down what they have observed
permission to administer medication has been received from the child’s
parents/guardians/approved persons or a medical practitioner.
The principal nominee will inform teachers of those students in their charge who
require medication to be administered at the school. The teachers may be required to
release students at prescribed times so they may receive their medications from the
principal or nominee.
The School register will be completed by the person administering the taking of
medication.
The school in consultation with parents/guardians and the student’s medical/health
practitioner will consider the age and circumstances by which the student could be
permitted to self-administer their medication. Ideally, medication to be selfadministered by the student should be stored by the school. However, where immediate
access is required by the student, such as in the case of asthma, anaphylaxis, or diabetes,
medication must be stored in an easily accessible location.
NOTE: It is at the Principals’ discretion to agree for the student to carry and manage
his/her own medication.
Student Information:
Parents and/or guardians are required to keep the school informed of current medical
contact details concerning students and any current medical conditions and appropriate
medical history.
Every student who has a medical condition or illness has an individual management
plan that is attached to the student’s records. This management plan is provided by the
student’s parents/guardians and contains details of:
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The usual medical treatment needed by the student at school or on school
activities
The medical treatment and action needed if the student’s condition deteriorates
The name, address and telephone numbers for an emergency contact and the
student’s doctor
Administration of prescribed Oral Medication:
Parents/guardians are required to inform the principal in writing of any prescribed
medication that students need to take in school hours. Where medication is required in
spontaneous situations, detailed administration instructions should be provided, for
example in the case of asthma attacks. Medication Administration Permission Forms
are available from the Administration Office and should be completed and signed by the
parent/guardian.
Certain students are capable of taking their own medication (usually tablets) while
other students will need assistance from teachers. This information will be recorded on
the individual student’s management plan.
Where medication for more than one day is supplied, it is to be locked in the storage
cupboard in the school administration office.
Section 8: First Aid Kit Contents
Consistent with the Department’s First Aid Policy and Procedures the school will
maintain a First Aid Kit that includes the following items:
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an up-to-date first aid book – examples include:
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First aid: Responding to Emergencies, Australian Red Cross
o Australian First Aid, St John Ambulance Australia (current edition)
o Staying Alive, St John Ambulance Australia, (current edition)
wound cleaning equipment
o gauze swabs: 100 of 7.5 cm x 7.5 cm divided into small individual
packets of five
o sterile saline ampoules: 12 x 15 ml and 12 x 30 ml
o disposable towels for cleaning dirt from skin surrounding a wound
wound dressing equipment
o sterile, non-adhesive dressings, individually packed: eight 5 cm x 5 cm,
four 7.5 m x 7.5 m, four 10 cm x 10 cm for larger wounds
o combine pads: twelve 10 cm x 10 cm for bleeding wounds
o non-allergenic plain adhesive strips, without antiseptic on the dressing,
for smaller cuts and grazes
o steri-strips for holding deep cuts together in preparation for stitching
o non-allergenic paper type tape, width 2.5 cm–5 cm, for attaching
dressings
o conforming bandages for attaching dressings in the absence of tape or in
the case of extremely sensitive skin
o six sterile eye pads, individually packed
bandages
o four triangular bandages, for slings, pads for bleeding or attaching
dressings, splints, etc.
o conforming bandages: two of 2.5 cm, two of 5 cm, six of 7.5 cm and two
of 10 cm – these may be used to hold dressings in place or for support in
the case of soft tissue injuries
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lotions and ointments
o Cuts and abrasions should be cleaned initially under running water
followed by deeper and more serious wounds being cleaned with sterile
saline prior to dressing. Antiseptics are not recommended
o any sun screen, with a sun protection factor of approximately 15+
o single use sterile saline ampoules for the irrigation of eyes
o creams and lotions, other than those in aqueous or gel form, are not
recommended in the first aid treatment of wounds or burns
o Asthma equipment (which should be in all major portable kits, camping
kits, sports kits, etc.)
o blue reliever puffer (e.g. Ventolin) that is in date
o spacer device
o alcohol wipes
Other equipment includes:
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single use gloves – these are essential for all kits and should be available for
teachers to carry with them, particularly while on yard duty
blood spill kits
vomit spill kits
one medicine measure for use with prescribed medications
disposable cups
one pair of scissors (medium size)
disposable splinter probes and a sharps container for waste
disposable tweezers
one teaspoon
disposable hand towels
pen-like torch, to measure eye-pupil reaction
two gel packs, kept in the refrigerator, for sprains, strains and bruises or
disposable ice packs for portable kits
adhesive sanitary pads, as a backup for personal supplies
flexible ‘sam’ splints for fractured limbs (in case of ambulance delay)
additional 7.5 m conforming bandages and safety pins to attach splints
blanket and sheet, including a thermal accident blanket for portable kits
germicidal soap and nail brush for hand-cleaning only
one box of paper tissues
paper towel for wiping up blood spills in conjunction with blood spill kit
single use plastic rubbish bags that can be sealed, for used swabs and a separate
waste disposal bin suitable for taking biohazard waste (note: Biohazard waste
should be burnt and there are several companies that will handle bulk biohazard
waste)
Ice cream containers or emesis bags for vomit.
Links to this policy:
http://www.education.vic.gov.au/school/principals/spag/governance/pages/recordin
g.aspx
http://www.education.vic.gov.au/school/principals/spag/health/Pages/supportplanning.as
px
http://www.education.vic.gov.au/school/principals/spag/health/pages/healthcarenee
ds.aspx
http://www.education.vic.gov.au/school/principals/spag/health/Pages/studenthealth.
aspx
http://www.education.vic.gov.au/school/principals/spag/health/pages/firstaid.aspx
http://www.education.vic.gov.au/school/principals/spag/health/pages/anaphylaxis.as
px
http://www.education.vic.gov.au/school/principals/spag/management/pages/medical.
aspx
http://www.education.vic.gov.au/school/principals/spag/health/pages/medication.as
px
http://www.education.vic.gov.au/school/principals/spag/health/Pages/caresupport.as
px
DEECD Medication Policy
DEECD Anaphylaxis Policy
DEECD Health Support Planning Policy
Asthma Society Webpage
In use at the college are:
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Medical authority form – for students who require medication whilst at school
Anaphylaxis management plan
Diabetes management plan
Epilepsy management plan
Head lice notification form
Asthma management plan
Emergency Numbers:
 Poisons Information Service
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Ambulance
13 11 26
000
Date Implemented
August 2014
Author
S.Davenport
Approved By
School Council
Responsible for Review
Assistant Principal
Review Date
August 2017