Image Credit: Global BC

By Victor Kaisar

School Safety

Many SD73 schools already have AEDs, naloxone kits amid new provincial guidelines

Aug 25, 2025 | 7:15 AM

KAMLOOPS — The Kamloops-Thompson School District (SD73) is well on its way to meeting new provincial requirements that all schools be equipped with automated external defibrillators (AEDs) and naloxone kits.

In a statement to CFJC Today, SD 73 said it is already in compliance with the requirement that all secondary schools have at least one AED by the Dec. 31 deadline.

“Currently, the Kamloops-Thompson School District has 32 AEDs in schools and buildings across the District, including all secondary schools, several elementary schools and district buildings,” the statement said.

“Prior to the new mandate, the District had established an Administrative Procedure outlining AED Guidelines in March 2019.”

SD73 says it will add another 26 AEDs — at a cost of $65,000 — by Sept. 8, 2026, which is when all elementary schools in B.C. are required to be carry the equipment.

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According to SD73 officials, all secondary schools and the majority of elementary schools in the district already have access to naloxone kits. All district buildings will also be equipped with naloxone kits “before the end of 2025.”

“The District’s Opioid Response Protocol Administrative Procedure outlines guidelines and procedures for the utilization of naloxone, including training for First Aid Attendants throughout the District,” the SD73 statement added.

According to the SD73 guidelines, naloxone will be administered by staff members who are trained in opioid overdose response.

“Under BC law, the Emergency Health Services Act allows all citizens to administer naloxone in an emergency in non-hospital settings. This includes staff, students, parents and volunteers,” the SD73 guidelines stated.

“Training will be provided to designated first aid attendants and administrators, and open to all other interested staff members.”

While provincial guidelines stipulate Grade 10 students be taught how to use AEDs and to perform CPR as a part of their physical and health education curriculum, students won’t be required to get trained on how to use naloxone kits.

“Student and staff safety is a top priory for the Kamloops-Thompson School District,” the SD73 statement said. “The District will be working throughout the 2025-2026 school year to ensure all schools meet the requirements.”