Response to Unexpected Health Emergencies

Status

New

Policy statement

Boards of education must establish, maintain, and make publicly available a policy for responding to unexpected health emergencies at schools in the district. This policy must ensure that life-saving first aid tools, including Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) and naloxone kits are readily accessible and maintained in every school. 

Rationale or purpose of policy

A timely and effective response to unexpected health emergencies is essential to ensuring a safe school environment. Unexpected health emergency incidents can occur without warning and require immediate action to improve survival outcomes by providing critical 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. 

Authority

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

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

Policy in full

Boards of education must establish, maintain and make publicly available a policy that supports responding to unexpected health emergencies in schools. The policy must ensure that AEDs and naloxone kits are readily accessible in each school. It is expected that all boards and francophone education authorities will have the policy in place and AEDs and naloxone kits accessible in all secondary schools by December 31, 2025. Accessibility of AEDs and naloxone kits in all elementary and middle schools is expected by September 8, 2026.

Procedures related to policy

Each board’s policy for responding to unexpected health emergencies should comply with WorkSafeBC requirements and consider the specific needs and context of the school community. Boards of education may benefit from consultation with school medical officers or other public health professionals.

The policy should also outline how the accessibility and maintenance of AEDs and naloxone kits will be managed, and ensure these tools are accessible in each school in an equitable and responsive manner that addresses the health and safety needs of school communities.

The policy must ensure that the following are readily accessible in each school:

• AEDs
• Naloxone kits

It is expected that boards will include reference to the following practices to ensure accessibility of these life-saving first aid tools:

• Ensuring tools are clearly marked with standardized signage to support easy identification and use
• Conducting routine inspections to ensure functionality and monitor expiry dates
• Providing barrier-free access to accommodate diverse user needs
• Presenting tools in a non-stigmatizing manner to encourage comfortable and equitable use