First Aid Centre
We thank our school community for continuing to adhere to the Department of Health Guidelines by keeping your child home if they are feeling unwell.
Is Your Medical Info Current?
To help us provide the best care and support for your child, it is essential that our College has the most up to date medical information. Please contact the First Aid Centre IF:
your child has been diagnosed with a new medical condition,
your child has undergone recent surgery,
there have been any changes to your child’s medication or treatment, or
you need to update an asthma, allergy or medical action plan.
Accurate and timely information helps us keep your child safe, healthy and supported during their time at school.
Protect yourself and your family this pollen season!
What is Thunderstorm asthma?
Thunderstorm Asthma is a form of asthma that coincides with the peak grass pollen season and a certain type of thunderstorm. These events are more likely to occur from October 1 to December 31.
It happens when stormy weather causes pollen particles in the air to break into smaller pieces that can be easily inhaled deep into lungs.
Who is at risk?
People with asthma
People with a past history of asthma
Those with undiagnosed asthma (i.e. people who have asthma symptoms but have not yet been diagnosed with asthma)
People with seasonal hay fever (who may or may not have asthma). If your child has hay fever, see your doctor for a hay fever treatment plan and check if they should have an asthma reliever puffer
It is difficult to predict a thunderstorm asthma event; there are several things you can do to be prepared:
Ensure your child has an up-to-date asthma action plan and access to prescribed reliever medication. Please remind your child to always carry their reliver medication with them during the school day.
All asthma action plans should be updated annually. Please contact the First Aid Centre if you require a copy of a new asthma action plan.
ALL STUDENTS WITH A DIAGNOSIS OF ASTHMA MUST SUPPLY AN ASTHMA MANAGEMENT PLAN TO THE FIRST AID CENTRE.
Be aware of thunderstorm forecasts particularly on high or extreme pollen count days.
Never ignore asthma symptoms like breathlessness, wheezing and tightness in the chest. Start asthma first aid immediately and call 000 if symptoms do not improve or get worse.
Many of our staff are trained in asthma first aid, and we will monitor the VicEmergency app to receive thunderstorm warnings, and where appropriate, keep students indoors when weather forecasts identify greater risk.
For more information speak to your doctor. More information can also be found at the Better Health Channel website.
Melissa & Eva
First Aid Centre