Epilepsy Management and Seizure Policy · The prevalence of epilepsy in children under 14 years is...
Transcript of Epilepsy Management and Seizure Policy · The prevalence of epilepsy in children under 14 years is...
Penrith Christian School Policy and Procedures – Prep and Early Childhood Services Page 1
Epilepsy Management and Seizure Policy
Policy Management
Prepared by Mrs Katrina Baines
Date prepared June 2019
Monitored by Head of Early Childhood
Review by Head of Early Childhood / Principal
Date for review June 2020
Status ACTIVE
Related Policies,
Procedures, Work
Instructions, Forms or
Manuals
First Aid Policy
Enrolment Policy
Family Communication Policy
Health and Safety Policy
Illness Policy
Medical Conditions Policy
Privacy and Confidentiality Policy
Supervision Policy
Work Health and Safety Policy
Version History
Version Date Notes
1.0 04/06/2019 New Policy
Penrith Christian School Policy and Procedures – Prep and Early Childhood Services Page 2
Table of Contents
Epilepsy Management and Seizure Policy ................................................................................................... 1
Policy or Procedure Management .................................................................................................................. 1
Links to Standards, Regulations and Framework ..................................................................................... 3
National Quality Standards (NQS) ............................................................................................................................ 3
Education and Care Services National Regulations ........................................................................................... 3
Early Years Learning Framework ............................................................................................................................ 3
Target Audience .............................................................................................................................................................. 4
Purpose .............................................................................................................................................................................. 4
Framework and Rationale .......................................................................................................................................... 4
Implementation ................................................................................................................................................... 5
Responsibilities of Management and Nominated Supervisor ........................................................................ 5
Responsibilities of Educators .................................................................................................................................... 5
Epileptic Emergency Response ................................................................................................................................. 6
Responsibilities of Families........................................................................................................................................ 6
Sources ................................................................................................................................................................... 7
Appendix 1: Medical Management, Risk Minimisation and Communication Plan ......................... 8
Appendix 2: Long-Term Medication Form ................................................................................................ 10
Penrith Christian School Policy and Procedures – Prep and Early Childhood Services Page 3
Links to Standards, Regulations and Framework
National Quality Standards (NQS)
Quality Area 2: Children’s Health and Safety
2.1.1 Wellbeing and comfort Each child’s wellbeing and comfort is provided for,
including appropriate opportunities to meet each child’s
needs for sleep, rest and relaxation.
2.1.2 Health practices and
procedures Effective illness and injury management and hygiene
practices are promoted and implemented.
2.2 Safety Each child is protected
2.2.1 Supervision At all times, reasonable precautions and adequate
supervision ensure children are protected from harm and
hazard
2.2.2 Incident and emergency
management Plans to effectively manage incidents and emergencies are
developed in consultation with relevant authorities,
practiced and implemented.
Education and Care Services National Regulations
Education and Care Services National Regulations
90 Medical Conditions Policy
91 Medical Conditions Policy to be provided to parents
92 Medication record
93 Administration of medication
95 Procedure for administration of medication
Early Years Learning Framework
Learning Outcome 1
1.1 Staffing arrangements enhance children’s learning and development and ensure their safety and wellbeing.
Penrith Christian School Policy and Procedures – Prep and Early Childhood Services Page 4
Target Audience
This policy applies to children, families, staff, management and visitors of PCS Prep and Early Childhood
Services.
Purpose
Our Service is committed to providing a safe and healthy environment that is inclusive for all children,
staff, visitors and family members that are diagnosed with Epilepsy or seizure disorders. The aim of this
Policy is to ensure that Educators, staff and families are aware of their obligations in supporting children
with epilepsy and management of seizures.
Framework and Rationale
The prevalence of epilepsy in children under 14 years is 4-8 per 1000 children. It is important to provide
appropriate care for children with epilepsy and seizure disorders in the childcare setting to minimise risks
to their health and safety, and optimise their behavioural and academic development.
Penrith Christian School Policy and Procedures – Prep and Early Childhood Services Page 5
Implementation
Responsibilities of Management and Nominated Supervisor
The Nominated Supervisor will ensure:
• All staff members have completed first aid training approved by the Education and Care Services
National Regulations at least every three years and that this is recorded, and each staff members’
certificate held, on the Service’s premises
• Training on the management of epilepsy and, where appropriate, emergency management of seizures
using emergency epileptic medication, is organised when a child with epilepsy is enrolled at the
Service
• A Medical Management, Risk Minimisation and Communication Plan is completed for each child
diagnosed, outlining procedures to minimise the incidence and effect of a child’s epilepsy and seizures.
The Plan will cover the child’s known triggers and, where relevant, other common triggers which may
cause a seizure
• All staff members are trained to identify children displaying the symptoms of a seizure, and locate their
personal medication and Epilepsy Management Plan
• All children enrolled at the Service with epilepsy must have an Epilepsy Management Plan, seizure
record and, Medical Management, Risk Minimisation and Communication Plan on file
• Individual Epilepsy Management Plans will be displayed in key locations throughout the Service
• A copy of this Policy will be provided to a parent or guardian of each child diagnosed with epilepsy or
seizure disorders at the Service and reviewed regularly
• Any child who has been prescribed epilepsy medication may not attend the Service without the
medication or completed Long-Term Medication Form
• A staff member accompanying children outside the Service must carry the prescribed medication and a
copy of the Epilepsy Management Plan for children diagnosed with epilepsy attending excursions
• If a child has a seizure that has an imminent or severe risk to the health, safety and wellbeing of the
child, or if an ambulance was called in response to the emergency, the regulatory authority will be
notified within 24 hours of the incident.
Responsibilities of Educators
Educators will:
• Recognise the symptoms of a seizure, and treat appropriately by locating the Epilepsy Management
Plan
• Follow the child’s Epilepsy Management Plan in the event of a seizure
• Record all epileptic seizures according to the Epilepsy Management Plan
• Administer prescribed medication when needed, according to the Long-Term Medication Form in
accordance with the Service’s Administration of Medication Policy
• Identify, and where possible minimise, possible seizure triggers as outlined in the child’s Epilepsy
Management Plan
Penrith Christian School Policy and Procedures – Prep and Early Childhood Services Page 6
• Increase supervision of a child diagnosed with epilepsy or seizure disorders on special occasions such
as excursions, incursions, parties and family days
• Regularly check and record the expiry date of the prescribed Epilepsy Management medication on a
Medication Expiry Date Register
• Ensure that if a child who is not diagnosed with epilepsy has a seizure, a suitably trained and qualified
Educator will:
o Protect the child from injury - remove any hazards that the child could come into contact with
o Not restrain the child or put anything in their mouth
o Gently roll them on to the side in the recovery position as soon as possible (not required if, for
example, child is safe in a wheelchair and airway is clear)
o Monitor the airway
o Call an ambulance
o Contact the parent/guardian when practicable
o Contact the emergency contact if the parents or guardians can’t be contacted when practicable.
Epileptic Emergency Response
In the event that a child (known to have an epileptic conditions) suffers from an epileptic emergency, the
Service and staff will:
• Follow the child’s Epilepsy Management Plan
• If the child does not respond to steps within the Epilepsy Management Plan, call an ambulance
immediately by dialling 000
• Commence first aid measures
• Contact the parent/guardian when practicable
• Contact the emergency contact if the parents or guardians cannot be contacted when practicable
Responsibilities of Families
Families will:
• Share information upon enrolment, or on diagnosis, of their child’s medical condition – epilepsy or
seizure disorders
• Provide the service with:
o An Epilepsy Management Plan developed and signed by a Registered Medical Practitioner for
implementation within the Service
o The prescribed medications from the Epilepsy Management Plan, providing an adequate supply of
emergency medication for their child at all times.
o Medication that is within date of expiration
• To develop an individual Medical Management, Risk Minimisation and Communications Plan with
Service staff.
Penrith Christian School Policy and Procedures – Prep and Early Childhood Services Page 7
• To complete a Long-Term Medication Form, if needed, for any medication required as part of the
Epilepsy Management Plan
• To provide staff with notification of any changes to their child’s medical condition and provide a new
Epilepsy Management Plan in accordance with these changes.
Sources
Australian Children’s Education & Care Quality Authority
Guide to the Education and Care Services National Law and the Education and Care Services
National Regulations 2018
ECA Code of Ethics
Guide to the National Quality Standard
Epilepsy Australia – www.epilepsyaustralia.net
The Royal Children’s Hospital Melbourne
http://www.rch.org.au/neurology/patient_information/about_epilepsy/
Staying Healthy in Childcare 5th Edition
Penrith Christian School Policy and Procedures – Prep and Early Childhood Services Page 8
Appendix 1: Medical Management, Risk Minimisation and Communication
Plan
Penrith Christian School Policy and Procedures – Prep and Early Childhood Services Page 9
Penrith Christian School Policy and Procedures – Prep and Early Childhood Services Page 10
Appendix 2: Long-Term Medication Form
Penrith Christian School Policy and Procedures – Prep and Early Childhood Services Page 11