Asthma is a serious and sometimes life-threatening condition that requires prompt and proper management, especially during an attack. Tragically, the life of 12-year-old Ryan Gibbons was cut short in 2012 due to a preventable asthma attack. His story highlights the critical need for proper asthma management in schools and the importance of ensuring children with asthma have immediate access to their life-saving medications.
The Tragic Day
On October 9, 2012, Ryan Gibbons, a 12-year-old grade 7 student, went to school like any other day. He was a lively child who enjoyed sports, particularly soccer. However, that day, while playing soccer at school, Ryan suffered a severe asthma attack. The attack became critical as Ryan struggled to breathe, but the inhaler he needed was locked away in the school office. His asthma inhaler had been confiscated by the school earlier, as part of a policy that required all medications to be kept in the principal’s office.
Ryan’s friends, witnessing the attack, tried desperately to carry him to the office to retrieve his inhaler, but it was too late. Ryan passed out and was unable to be revived. He died that day, and the nation was left stunned by the devastating loss.
The School’s Policy and Its Consequences
Ryan’s death was not only heartbreaking but also a result of a flawed system. Despite his mother Sandra Gibbons providing the school with a doctor’s note allowing Ryan to carry his inhaler with him, the school enforced a policy that prohibited students from carrying medication on their person. The policy stated that medications had to be kept in the office, where they could be accessed only with assistance.
Sandra Gibbons, Ryan’s mother, expressed her frustration, saying that her son’s extra inhalers were taken away by the school multiple times, and she was frequently contacted to pick them up. She couldn’t understand why the school continued to remove the medication despite the doctor’s prescription. Sandra noted that her son had been given an inhaler, but it was confiscated and not returned, even when he needed it most. “I didn’t understand why,” Sandra said in an interview with CBC. “I didn’t realize the policy actually stated that the prescribed medication needed to be in the office.”
Unfortunately, this lack of access to Ryan’s inhaler contributed to his tragic death. Asthma attacks are often unpredictable, and it is essential that children have immediate access to their medications during such emergencies.
A Mother’s Determined Fight for Change
The loss of her son left Sandra devastated, but it also fueled her determination to prevent other families from facing the same tragedy. Sandra began advocating for changes in how schools manage asthma, especially when it came to access to life-saving medications.
Sandra’s efforts led to the creation of Ryan’s Law, which aimed to allow children with asthma to carry their inhalers with them in school, provided they had a doctor’s note. Sandra started a petition calling for the Ontario government to adopt standardized asthma management plans in schools. Her advocacy paid off, and soon her efforts would lead to significant change.
The Passage of Ryan’s Law
Thanks to Sandra Gibbons’ tireless campaigning, Ryan’s Law was passed in Ontario as Bill 135. The law mandates that schools allow children with asthma to keep their inhalers in their backpacks or pockets, provided they have a doctor’s note. This law ensures that children have immediate access to their inhalers during an asthma attack, potentially saving lives in critical situations.
Sandra Gibbons expressed her gratitude for the bill’s passage, saying, “I’m definitely overwhelmed, very emotional, very happy it’s going to be implemented.” She knew that her son’s tragic death was not in vain and that the law would help protect other children in the future.
The Asthma Society of Ontario also supported the law, with president Dr. Rob Oliphant stating, “It is essential that children with asthma have ready access to potentially life-saving asthma medications while at school.”
The Importance of Asthma Management
Asthma is a common chronic condition that affects millions of children worldwide. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), over 10 Americans die each day from asthma-related causes, despite advances in asthma treatment. Proper management, including immediate access to inhalers, is essential for preventing asthma attacks from becoming fatal.
Asthma attacks can be triggered by various factors, such as physical activity, allergens, or illness. The ability to quickly administer medication during an attack can make all the difference in saving a life. Children, in particular, may not always recognize the signs of a worsening asthma attack, making it even more important that they have access to their medication at all times, especially while in school.
Ryan’s Law and Its Impact
Ryan’s Law has not only impacted Ontario but has inspired similar legislation in other areas. In the United States, every state has laws allowing students to carry their asthma inhalers with them, though challenges remain. Some schools still restrict access to inhalers due to blanket anti-drug policies, which can put children with asthma at risk. The passage of Ryan’s Law serves as a reminder of the importance of balancing safety policies with the practical needs of students.
Ryan’s story is a tragic reminder that a child’s access to their medication should never be delayed. Through Sandra Gibbons’ determination and her advocacy for change, Ryan’s Law will continue to help protect the lives of children with asthma for years to come.
What We Can Learn from Ryan’s Story
Ryan’s tragic death has led to significant changes in asthma management policies in schools, but it’s important for everyone—parents, school staff, and lawmakers—to remember that the safety of children is paramount. No child should be denied access to their life-saving medications during an emergency, and it’s crucial for parents to advocate for their children’s needs.
Ryan’s Law is a powerful reminder of the importance of access to medication, especially in environments like schools, where children spend a significant amount of time. It also serves as a testament to the power of one mother’s determination to make a difference.
Conclusion
Ryan Gibbons’ death was a tragedy that could have been prevented if his school’s policies had been more accommodating. However, through the persistence of his mother, Sandra Gibbons, Ryan’s Law was passed, ensuring that no other child will face the same risks due to a lack of access to life-saving medication. The law provides a safety net for children with asthma, ensuring they have immediate access to their inhalers during an emergency, and it serves as a lasting legacy for Ryan Gibbons.
For parents of children with asthma, it is essential to be proactive in ensuring their children have access to their inhalers at all times, especially in school settings. By advocating for change, we can help prevent future tragedies and ensure that children’s health and safety come first.
