Posted By Richard Forster We have a 'persistent' parent who is campaigning for all schools to have resuscitation equipment, that is an oxygen cylinder and face masks. She is vigorously writing to all of the powers that be in pursuit of this aim. Obviously we could mention risk assessment, the need for training, safe use, storage and disposal, fire risk assessment etc. Has anybody out there looked into this subject specifically or know of any sources of information etc? Do you have this equipment in your schools, if so, what information made you come to the conclusion that it was necessary? Does it make any difference (are there any statistics)? Your assistance please, good people!

Posted By Zoe Barnett In my experience parents who get this type of bee in their bonnet are not easily persuaded away from it, regardless of any evidence or risk assessment you may put in front of them. The only thing I can suggest is that you go on the defensive and ask this lady to justify her argument, and how she would suggest schools fund the provision of the equipment, its safe storage and the training of staff in its use. I'm closely involved with some special schools whose pupils have life threatening illnesses that require oxygen to be administered and it means a great deal of co-operation between the school, health services, parents and other groups. Maybe our old friend reasonably practicable would be useful here. You may find it helpful to get school nurses and the local Healthy Schools co-ordinator on your side. I must say that in similar cases I've faced the only thing in the end is just to make a blanket policy decision and stick to it. It may cause bad feeling with one or two but the majority won't have strong feelings one way or the other. Good luck!

Posted By Nicky Richard, I forgot to say, I have got a Risk assessment for storage of a particular type of oxygen cylinder, though I am at a loss as to why oxygen should be at a school. The only time I have been called to a school is to treat a passerby who had collapsed. In my opinion, unless there is a child with a medical problem learning CPR and dialling 999 is the best route, after all you are within reach of the emergency services aren't you? Perhaps a mobile phone for use on school trips would be better - as I know of a little girl who had an epileptic fit for the first time in a church - no phone available. Nicky

Posted By Nicky Jim, I suspect you are quite correct in your assumption. In addition, the only real use a defibrillator would be in a school is for the teachers as heart failure problems that can be defibrillated in children are extremely rare, so as I said before unless there is a child with a known medical condition.......also nearly everyone who requires this equipment/treatment is at home, (not at school or work) feeling unwell prior to requiring oxygen and defib. Nicky

Posted By Eddie The guidelines for resuscitation are provided by the Resuscitation Council (UK). See http://www.resus.org.uk/SiteIndx.htm For basic life support for children and adults, oxygen is NOT required. The only equipment possibly relevant is a face shield or face mask, for those who prefer to avoid direct contact with the casualty's mouth. But such equipment is optional, not essential. Oxygen administration is part of advanced life support but the paramedics will bring that with them. Teachers can only be expected to perform basic life support in a first aid capacity. Regarding a fatal asthma attack, in very severe cases the tiny airways deep in the lungs go into spasm and no amount of oxygen is beneficial until the underlying cause of the spasm can be reversed. This again is certainly beyond the scope of the first aider. I think that anyone arguing for oxygen administration is really advocating that facilities for on-site advanced life support are made available in schools. This would require teachers to be trained to the level of paramedics and emergency room doctors and nurses! And thousands of pounds spent on specialised equipment. That would still leave the problem of drug prescribing which currently requires medical qualifications.