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K5: Understanding of general medical terminology and the effects of medical treatments and medications as they relate to students with Other Health Disabilities (OHD) in the education setting.

K6: Understanding of how OHD (including terminal illness and emergencies or life-threatening situations) impact learning, including behavioral, cognitive, social, and emotional development.

K8: Understanding specific information related to students with OHD and using this information to take steps to respond to emergency situations within the education setting that involve students with OHD.


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Facilitator Supplement

The goal of this activity is for paraprofessionals to advocate for themselves with students who have a potential for emergency medical problems.
This activity may also be facilitated by the school nurse in collaboration with you and the paraprofessional.
Help the paraprofessional identify appropriate persons to assist if the symptoms occur (classroom teachers, health office personnel, main office personnel, administrators, etc.). Also identify the best way to get assistance quickly (classroom phone, send a student or adult to the health office requesting assistance, etc.).
If there is no student who has an ECP and is in special education, collaborate with the school nurse to identify a student who does not receive special education services but has an ECP.
Discuss any concerns the paraprofessional has regarding their ability to watch for symptoms requiring implementation of the ECP.
Remember that all health information is confidential. Sharing health information with others who do not work with the student in the school setting may violate school district policy and procedures and federal and state laws.

Facilitated Activity

Find a student you work with that has an Emergency Care Plan (ECP).
If you do not have a copy of the ECP, obtain one from the school nurse or case manager.
Identify the symptoms you need to watch for or monitor in the classroom.
If the symptoms occur, describe what you need to do to help the student.
Identify other adults who can help you if the symptoms occur.
Identify persons who need to be notified if symptoms occur.