Medication and First Aid

We are committed to the health and wellbeing of all students. An important part of this commitment is our Medical Sickness First Aid Policy. We provide dedicated First Aid Officers and on site student first aid facilities. We do not employ a school nurse.

We acknowledge that parents and guardians have primary responsibility for their child's health care. This responsibility includes the provision of accurate and relevant information to College staff about their child's health care needs.

If a student has recently contracted an illness, is infectious and/or needs rest and recuperation, his or her care generally is the responsibility of the family.

If a student becomes ill or injured at school our First Aid Officers are always available to treat and care for them. We will contact parents if their child is too unwell to remain in class and / or we believe it is necessary for them to go home.

Any ongoing care such as dressing changes is the parent's responsibility.

In an emergency, staff will administer emergency first aid and contact an ambulance and family / emergency contacts as required. The College has School Ambulance Membership with the SA Ambulance Service. The terms and conditions of this policy provides cover for payment of accounts for Emergency Ambulance Services, resulting from accident or injury to students whilst involved in school activities.

We would like to make sure that all parents are aware that this cover does NOT provide cover for payment of accounts where an ambulance is called in response to signs and symptoms of a pre-existing medical condition (eg diabetes, asthma, anaphylaxis etc).

Regardless of this fact, if a student presents with signs or symptoms relating to a medical condition, which necessitate an ambulance, our First Aid Officers will not hesitate to call 000. Our priority is to ensure students receive prompt medical attention in a medical emergency.

If your child has a pre-existing medical condition and your family does not already have insurance cover for ambulance transport under an existing policy, we would encourage you to explore and secure ambulance cover.

We encourage parents to administer their child's medication outside of school hours where possible. First Aid Officers can only administer medication when it is accompanied by the correct Medication Plan.

The term ‘medication’ includes prescription medication, eye drops, ear drops, creams, paracetamol, antihistamines, other medication that can be bought over the counter and alternative medicines (vitamins and nutritional supplements).

• All medications must be supplied to the College in their original containers, with the pharmacy’s label showing the student’s details.
• The information on the pharmacy label must match the details written on the Medication Plan in order to be administered.
• College staff are not authorised to administer the first dose of any medication.
• An adult must bring the medication to the First Aid room (along with the appropriate forms), where it will be stored in a locked cupboard. (Medication will only be returned to an adult). Exceptions to this must be specified in the Medication Plan, Asthma Action Plan or Health Care Plan.
• The above-mentioned forms are available to download below, from the First Aid Office and Student Services.
• Wherever possible, students should be supported to learn responsibility for their own health and personal care needs in non-emergency situations. Students in ELC, Junior School and Years 7-12 all require supervision of their medication and other aspects of healthcare management unless otherwise agreed by the student and their family, the College, and treating health professionals.
• Absolutely NO sharing of medication between students is allowed.

Controlled Drugs (S8 Restricted Medication)

For controlled drugs (Schedule 8 restricted medication), the Medication Plan for Controlled Drugs (S8) for the school year must be completed. The Medication Plan for Controlled Drugs (S8) MUST be signed by a registered health professional (GP or specialist) to be considered valid.

Over-the-Counter and Prescription Medication

For general over-the-counter medication and alternative medicines, as well as prescription medication which is NOT considered a Controlled Drug (S8), the Medication Plan for the school year must be completed.

Asthma

All students with diagnosed asthma must have an Asthma Action Plan in place, which should be completed by a parent/guardian in conjunction with a registered health professional (GP or specialist).

Diagnosed Medical Condition

Please note that if your child has anaphylaxis, seizures or another diagnosed medical condition, the doctor will need to complete a condition specific health care plan for them, i.e. Action Plan for Anaphylaxis, Seizure Care Plan, etc.