Asthma Friendly Schools nickola.rickard@nhs.net This presentation will cover Legislation and guidance related to asthma in schools (recording medications) Recommended standards of care What is Asthma Recognising asthma Acting on asthma in the school environment

Two key documents for schools: 1.Supporting Pupils with Medical Conditions (Sept 2014) 2.Guidance on the use of Emergency Inhalers in school. (Sept 2014)

Five essential standards: Policy Register Care plan Emergency procedures Asthma lead

What is Asthma is common Asthma is Long Term Asthma should be taken seriously – It can kill if it is not controlled Asthma is Disruptive (missed schools days, inability to concentrate, persistent cough, sleepless nights)

Video clip https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2ur1XreTiNg&feature=player_detailpage (4mins)

How many children have asthma in this school/in the UK? Think - Is there a high or low prevalence in your school? why does it matter? – all staff should be able to identify students with asthma – every school should have an asthma register – ask if staff know where this is located? Prompt to take notice as there will be a scenario a bit later on Discuss prevalence and the number of students with asthma – Ask what the school process is with regards to the care of the student with Asthma … Are the students in this school self medicating? – Yes (should have a spare) Where would you find their inhaler? (Should be either classroom or school office) What do you need to check for before administering an inhaler? (That it’s the right child and they have parental consent) What piece of information will help you (care plan/asthma register)

What does it feel like to have an asthma attack? https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=EK8nzKzdnIM

Smoking House Dust mite Pollen Common cold Exercise Emotions Chemicals Common Triggers Smoking House Dust mite Pollen Common cold Exercise Emotions Chemicals Pet Dander Weather Pollution Medicines Asthma can start at any age. It is difficult to know what causes asthma, but so far we know that: if one or both of your parents have asthma you are more likely to have it many aspects of modern lifestyles - such as changes in housing and diet and a more hygienic environment - may have added to the rise in asthma smoking during pregnancy increases the chance of a child developing asthma being exposed to cigarette smoke increases the chance of developing asthma teenagers who start to smoke double their risk of developing asthma irritants such as dust and chemicals may lead to a person developing asthma Smoking – smoking cessation info on impact of passive smoking on children – school policy on staff smoking Pollen – significance of hayfever symptoms on exams Chemicals – need an awareness that some chemicals might affect asthma sufferers – recognise and act on the symptoms.

How would you know a child was having an asthma attack ? Symptoms – (coughing wheezing or getting out of breath easily) Breathing – (avoiding exertion or moving about more slowly than usual) - Inhaler use (inhaler not lasting for 4 hours, increase in the use of inhaler) Coughing Wheezing Difficulty in breathing Tight chest Difficulty walking or talking in full sentences.

How and why use an inhaler and spacer

Do you know your School? Asthma Emergency Kits Asthma Policy Copy of the register Identify asthma champions Record of administration Named Childs school asthma plan and inhaler Write down all the signs and symptoms of asthma you can remember

Scenario

Nickola.rickard@nhs.net Asthma Friendly schools enquiries http://www.asthma.org.uk/ - Asthma information https://www.london.gov.uk – Air pollution alerts https://www.london.gov.uk/priorities/environment/breathe-better-together/get-tips-and-air-pollution-alerts-pure360 https://www.supportingchildrenshealth.org – free online asthma training