Response to Unexpected Health Emergencies

In July, the Minister of Education and Child Care amended the Support Services for Schools Ministerial Order to address school districts' response to unexpected health emergencies. The amended order requires Boards of Education to establish and publish a policy or procedure for responding to unexpected health emergencies in schools.  

The order also says that school districts must ensure that automated external defibrillators (AEDs) and naloxone are accessible at each school in the district. Chilliwack School District has had AEDs available at all schools and sites since 2021. AEDs are placed where they are accessible by students, staff, and community members in case of a health emergency. 

As of September 2025, nasal naloxone is accessible for use by administrators at all elementary schools and by administrators and Occupational First Aid Attendants at all middle and secondary schools. The district has a procedure that outlines how to respond to a potential opioid poisoning. It provides clear guidelines for staff who have been identified and trained to recognize and respond to signs of a student opioid poisoning at school sites and during school-sanctioned events. 

Under the Good Samaritan Act, anyone can provide emergency assistance to an ill, injured, or unconscious person in an emergency situation outside of a hospital setting.

Learn more about AEDs and naloxone in schools: 

Administrative Procedure 440: Opioid Poisoning Response

Administrative Procedure 445: Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs)