AEDs and naloxone kits expected at all Vancouver Island public schools by next fall

Vancouver Island public school should be well on their way toward meeting a B.C. education ministry directive ensuring schools are ready to deal with heart attacks and drug overdoses.

In July, the ministry decreed schools have naloxone kits and automated external defibrillators on hand to deal with emergencies. It is instructing school districts to develop related policies and to have the precautions in place at high schools by Dec. 31 and at primary schools by the start of the 2026-27 school year.

Nanaimo-Ladysmith's administrative procedure was introduced to trustees at a strategic directions committee meeting Wednesday, Oct. 8, and includes language directing that schools have staff trained in first aid, including use of AEDs and administering naloxone, and that the items be inspected