Guide to Back to School: How to Address Your Child's Medical Conditions

If your child has any type of medical issue you may have some valid concerns about the new school year. This is a time to become reacquainted with the staff, nurse, and your child's teachers. Working with the school and giving them instructions on what to do in an emergency before hand, can be lifesaving.

Teacher

Let your child's teacher know about their medical conditions. Great examples of conditions that need attention are asthma and allergic reactions. Don't assume that your teacher knows the signs of an asthma attack or an allergic reaction. Create a checklist. Print or type out a few things that are warning signs. This is especially helpful for younger children, who may have a hard time expressing in words what they feel. Or for older students who feel embarrassed or don't want to draw attention to themselves.

On your checklist also list what the treatment procedures are. For example if it's Asthma and the inhaler is always sent with your child to school, and is in the small section in their back pack. State that clearly in writing. Also let the teacher know if the nurse has the medication your child needs.

Nurse

Find out from the school nurse, exactly what the standard procedures are for managing medications at school. Make sure the nurse knows who you are, and who your child is. Type or print another checklist letter that explains all of the medical conditions your child has what to do, and whom to call. An emergency contact form, usually only asks for phone numbers and nearest hospital preference.

If the nurse has a list of your child's current conditions, current medications, and with your proper contact information, they may be able to make an educated choice for your child. The nurse's professional training may help them to pinpoint a problem caused by a medication. Such as side effects, reactions, or problems with a medication your child takes daily.

Having quick access to knowing medical details about your child can prevent mistakes at the hospital in the event of an emergency. The nurse would be able to give this information to the emergency room in the event of an accident. This could prevent your child being given a medication that conflicts with what they take daily, or being administered any drug that they are allergic to.

If your child is suffering from a sensitive condition or disease that you do not want the teacher to know about, you can give warning signs and general information to the teacher. Instruct the teacher to send the child to the nurse. All other information that the nurse would need to know, can be given to her or him separately.

Providing the school, teachers, and nurse with a plan of action in an emergency is important. This combined with your updated contact information is a great way to start a new school year. Use these tips to help provide the best outcome for your child in the event of a medical emergency.