Nursing Support Services has created modules that will support staff K-12 in learning how to support students with adrenal insufficiency with an estimated start date of September 2026. Documents and training videos for staff will include signs and symptoms of low cortisol, when to stress dose, and how to give emergency Solu-Cortef. Parents and caregivers will be required to fill out forms with specific information regarding their child’s/youth’s current management. They will need to provide some of the supplies for training with the exception of training vials. Talk and share with your child’s school staff this fall about your child’s need for an Adrenal Insufficiency Action Plan at school. Learn more here under “Adrenal Insufficiency Care in the School Setting”
You may also note that all levels of BC paramedics can support Solu-Cortef injections with school staff. This is also indicated in these action plans if school staff are not trained and your child has an emergency at school. Have the Solu-Cortef kit and dosing signed off per the action plan by your child’s Doctor so they can provide it if needed. Have your school state “adrenal crisis/shock” if ever needing to call 911.
This change comes after BC parents, youth and other disability based non-profits advocating for more accessible supports for children and youth with AI to have similar supports that life threatening conditions have access to.
School supports and regulations are provincially mandated. If your child is in school or entering school for the first time, check with school staff to see what policies include children and youth with medical conditions. Your endocrinologist may also have insight into what protocols are in place for school as well. Your child should always have access to their stress dose at school, any medications they take during school hours, and their emergency kit should at the very least be stored at the school and staff should be informed of what to do in an emergency situation.
Your child has rights to fair and equitable education. Don’t be afraid to speak up about what is needed for your child’s care and keeping them safe. Many schools are just generally unaware of what AI is and why training to support this condition is needed, so educating them is helpful so they can support your child during school. Resources from BC can be shared as a guideline where needed to advocate for additional support.
Shared by Sara Rodrigues, CAS Board Member, Health & Research committee member