New Report Highlights Gaps in Medical Emergency Preparedness in Irish Schools

A new report has highlighted the significant gaps in medical emergency preparedness in Irish schools.

The report, published by Medical Emergency Response (MER), a volunteer organisation, is based upon a survey of primary and secondary schools representing more than 100,000 students nationwide. The findings reveal a strong willingness among schools to improve their preparedness but also highlighted the critical areas where support, training, and resources are lacking in attending a medical emergency.

98.9%

of schools have a first aid kit

43.2%

have a defibrillator available on site

30.1%

are certified in the use of auto-injectors

According to the survey, while 98.9% of schools have a first aid kit, only 43.2% have a defibrillator available on site. Just 30.1% of schools say they are certified in the use of auto-injectors, despite 83.5% of schools holding prescribed auto-injectors for individual pupils.

Alan Moran, Chairperson of Medical Emergency Response said: “The results are very clear: schools are not adequately prepared for allergy-related emergencies, with 70% of schools uncertified in training to use auto-injectors. Even more striking is the fact that only seven schools in the entire country are currently registered through the HPRA for auto-injector training. This highlights a serious gap that requires immediate attention. In addition, the vast majority of schools have a prescribed emergency medicine (auto-injector or inhalers) but only for specific students. 88% of schools do not have a spare emergency medicine for undiagnosed pupils in their school. This is deeply concerning, and we are determined to help change that.”

Dr Ranbir Kaulsay, Medical Doctor and advisory board member of MER, said: “As seen by the findings in the MER report, there is a real opportunity to strengthen how schools prepare for medical emergencies. Ensuring that staff have access to appropriate equipment and training helps create a safer environment for students and the wider school community”.

According to Allergy Ireland, 15% of the population have complex allergy problems requiring specialist care. This highlights the scale of the issue and the importance of ensuring that schools are ready to respond swiftly and appropriately when emergencies occur. For many children with severe allergies or other medical conditions, the school environment is where a first response can be lifesaving due to exposure to different foods.

The report from Medical Emergency Response has been provided to all Ministers, TDs and Senators to help highlight the measures that ensure schools are properly equipped and trained to handle emergencies. This includes expanding access to emergency medicines, supporting schools in meeting training requirements, and ensuring that lifesaving resources such as auto-injectors and defibrillators are standard in every school.