Commentary
Each parish youth ministry should have a well-stocked and easily accessible first aid kit. It would be ideal if one or two adults on the youth ministry team had been trained in rudimentary first aid and CPR. If a young person complains of minor discomfort, Tylenol, cough drops, etc. may be given if there is a signed medical release form on file indicating that this type of medicine (listed by name) can be administered.
Oftentimes, young people who are taking prescribed medication on a regular basis will participate in events. In such cases, the group leader (or Registered Nurse, if participating on the trip/event) should be the one to keep the medication in their possession. Parents should be informed before the event that only the amount necessary for the duration of the trip should be sent with the young person and that the prescribed medication must be sent in the container in which it was dispensed from the pharmacy, such that the instructions from the doctor are clearly visible. When the time arrives for the medication to be administered, the group leader should hand the medication bottle to the young person and watch them take the medication. The bottle is then collected by the group leader and secured until the next dosage time.
Be aware that aspirin given to those eighteen years of age and younger has been known to result in Reyes Syndrome.
If a more serious injury occurs or the young person complains of serious discomfort, the adult supervising the activity, if other than the Coordinator, should notify the Coordinator immediately. The parent or guardian is also to be notified immediately. If there is any question regarding the seriousness of the injury or discomfort, the young person is to be taken immediately to an emergency medical care facility. The medical release/permission to treat form should also be taken.
Related Policies
5.13 Prescription medicine is not to be dispensed without written consent of parents or guardians. The directions for administering the medication must be submitted through Form C. 1960
5.14 Do not dispense aspirin to anyone under the age of eighteen. 1961
5.15 In the case of serious injury, or any injury or discomfort requiring treatment, the Incident Report Form is to be filled out within twenty-four hours and submitted to Catholic Youth Ministry.