Naloxone kits and automatic external defibrillators (AED) will soon be added to Richmond School District schools and facilities' first aid and safety tools.
The Richmond Board of Education approved the motion on June 19 and made its final cost report on Sept. 25 to add naloxone nasal kits and AEDs in a "secured space" on site.
Tanya Major, executive director of human resources at the Richmond School District, explained the two life-saving measures will only be accessible by designated and trained individuals at each site.
Naloxone kits are used to temporarily reverse the effects of an opioid overdose or toxic drug poisoning -- a crisis that is killing about six to seven people a day in the province.
In addition, AEDs are portable devices that can analyze a heart's rhythm and deliver an electric shock to re-establish the heartbeat during a sudden cardiac arrest.
Supt. Christopher Usih said the health and safety of students and staff remains the top priority in the district.
"Precautionary measures do not suggest these activities or that this is a common occurrence," said Usih.
"In the event of an emergency, we want to make sure everyone is safe in our schools."
He reiterates the Richmond School District has a code of conduct that is clear students are not allowed alcohol or drugs while in school.
"We want our young people to make the right choices and healthy lifestyles. It's important to make it apparently clear we are committed to education and understand so you people can make those choices."
The naloxone nasal spray, while more expensive than the injectable, is described as "less invasive" and easier to administer, hence it was chosen, Usih added.
The school district estimates elementary sites would require one to two naloxone spray kits, depending on school size, and high schools would require three kits. Other district sites would require one or two kits.
The school district estimates they'll need a total of 113 naloxone spray kits and 116 AEDs, with yearly inspections, and maintenance and part replacements, as needed.
While most elementary schools would require one AED, larger elementary schools would require two. Meanwhile, high schools will require three AEDs on site with other district sites to have one or two.
This initiative will cost the district $192,700 ($12,700 for naloxone spray kits and $180,000 for AEDs) which will be covered by the district's health and safety department and the human resources' general administrative budgets. The funds are from both departments' surplus operating funds from 2023/2024, according to secretary treasurer Cindy Wang.
The motion to consider naloxone kits and AEDs in Richmond schools was originally brought forward in December by Trustee Debbie Tablotney in light of the national overdose crisis that has claimed more than 42,000 lives in Canada.
Since then, there has been a divide among the students, parents and the community on having naloxone kits in schools with the majority of the Richmond School Board members in support of the kits.
"Prevention is key and other programs and agencies outside the district (are) willing to provide (more) information and workshops with teachers regarding these life-saving measures," said Tablotney.
Trustee Donna Sargent said the naloxone kit and AED initiative is a "commitment" to the district's emergency response program.
Got an opinion on this story or any others in Richmond? Send us a letter or email your thoughts or story tips to [email protected]. To stay updated on Richmond news, sign up for our daily headline newsletter. Words missing in article? Your adblocker might be preventing hyperlinked text from appearing.
