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| The 30 per cent of adults with more serious asthma
symptoms account for 87 per cent of the total costs incurred
each year. |
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| An Asthma Questionnaire |
This questionnaire can help you assess whether a school is asthma friendly- if it is asthma aware, has asthma related policies in place,and offers a beneficial environment for students with asthma.
Use the answers you obtain as a guideline or starting point for discussions with school authorities,if need be.
Part 1:School Policies-
Is there a written asthma/allergy policy?
- Does the policy describe the role specific school personnel must follow during an asthma
attack? Who phones the parents? Who calls the ambulance if needed? Who monitors the
student before and after taking reliever medication?
- Do school personnel know what to do when a student has an attack? Is someone
designated to stay with the student during an a episode?
- When was the last time the entire staff (including janitors and school bus drivers) had an
asthma refresher course?
- What is the schools policy pertaining to asthma medications? Are students permitted to
keep medication with them, or is it locked up somewhere?
- During gym classes, are students given sufficient time to pre-medicate and to do both
warm up and slow cool down?
- Is smoking permitted on school premises?
Part 2: School Environment- Has the schools indoor air quality been tested recently? Does it meet national standards?
- Is the school free of tobacco smoke at all time?
- Has the school reduced allergens in carpets, upholstery, window coverings? Are
precautions taken against, mould, mildew, and odours from perfumes, paint, pesticides
and cleaning chemicals?
- Have air conditioners, humidifiers, and furnaces been serviced and made mould free?
- Have ventilation ducts been recently cleaned?
- Are any classroom materials possible triggers?
- Are pets kept in any of the classrooms?
- Are art or wood-working supplies safe for students with asthma?
Part 3: Students
- Has the parent/guardian of each student with asthma filled out a form describing the students trigger, medications and dosages, and designating a physician to be used in emergencies?
- Have students been told what they can do to help a student having an asthma attack?
- Do health study courses include a unit on both asthma and allergies?
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