Health & Safety
School Clinic
The school clinic is staffed with a full-time registered nurse. In order to provide an exceptional educational experience, the health of our students is extremely important.
The nurse assists in managing emergencies, acute illnesses, chronic health conditions, and the unexpected situations that occur throughout the school day.
The staff at CCA work as a team to ensure the health and safety of each student and staff member.
Health & Safety Resources
- Diabetes
- Sudden Cardiac Arrest Facts for Parents
- Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis, & Meningococcal Immunizations
- Water Safety
Diabetes
Sudden Cardiac Arrest Facts for Parents
Facts
Sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) is a rare, but tragic event that claims the lives of approximately 7,000 children each year in the United States, according to the American Heart Association. SCA is not a heart attack. It is an abnormality in the heart’s electrical system that abruptly stops the heartbeat. SCA affects all students, in all sports or activities, and in all age levels. The majority of activity-related cardiac arrests are due to congenital (inherited) heart defects. However, SCA may also occur after a person experiences an illness which has caused an inflammation to the heart or after a direct blow to the chest.
Warning Signs
Possible warning signs of SCA include:
- Fainting
- Difficulty Breathing
- Chest Discomfort or Pain
- Dizziness
- Abnormal Racing Heart Rate
Assessing Risk
Health care providers may use several tests to help detect risk factors for SCA. One such test is an electrocardiogram (ECG). An ECG is a simple, painless test that detects and records the heart's electrical activity. It is used to detect heart problems and monitor a person’s heart health. There are no serious risks to a person having an ECG test. ECG’s are able to detect a majority of heart conditions more effectively than a physical exam and health history alone.
- What are the risks of practicing or playing after experiencing warning symptoms?
- How can I help prevent my child from experiencing SCA?
- What should I do if I think my child has warning signs that may lead to SCA?
- What are the survival steps for sudden cardiac arrest?
What are the risks of practicing or playing after experiencing warning symptoms?
There are risks associated with continuing to practice or play after experiencing warning symptoms of sudden cardiac arrest. When the heart stops, so does blood flow to the brain and other vital organs. Death or permanent brain damage follows in just a few minutes. Most people who experience SCA die from it. However, when SCA is witnessed and an onsite automatic defibrillator (AED) is deployed in a timely manner, survival rates approach 50%.
How can I help prevent my child from experiencing SCA?
Daily physical activity, proper nutrition, and adequate sleep are all important aspects of life- long health. Additionally, parents can assist students prevent death from SCA by:
- Ensuring your child knows about any family history of SCA (onset of heart disease in a family member before the age of 50 or a sudden, unexplained death at an early age)
- Ensuring your child has a thorough pre- season screening exam prior to participation in an organized athletic activity
- Asking if your school and the site of competition have automated external defibrillators (AED’s) that are close by and properly maintained
- Asking if your child’s coach is CPR/AED certified
- Becoming CPR/AED certified yourself
- Ensuring your child is not using any non-prescribed stimulants or performance enhancing drugs
- Being aware that the inappropriate use of prescription medications, energy drinks, or vaping increase risk
- Encouraging your child to be honest and report symptoms of chest discomfort, unusual shortness of breath, racing or irregular heartbeat, or feeling faint
What should I do if I think my child has warning signs that may lead to SCA?
What are the survival steps for sudden cardiac arrest?
Document Downloads
Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis, & Meningococcal Immunizations
School Year 2024-2025
The Georgia Department of Human Resources has issued an immunization update regarding Tdap (Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis) and Meningococcal immunizations. All children who were born on or after January 1, 2002 who are entering the seventh grade are required to have a Tdap and Meningococcal immunization, as well as an updated immunization certificate (Form 3231) reflecting the administration dates of the two additional vaccines.
ALL SEVENTH GRADERS BORN ON OR AFTER 1-1-2002 MUST HAVE ONE OF THE FOLLOWING:
- A current , up-to-date DHR Immunization Form 3231 reflecting the additional one dose of Tdap (Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis) vaccine and one Meningococcal conjugate vaccine have been administered
OR
- A signed immunization waiver (available at the school for eligible students only) granting an extension of 30 calendar days
OR
- A notarized affidavit DHR Form 2208 affirming a religious belief conflict.
If you have provided the above documentation to your school this school year please disregard this notification.
If you have any questions regarding your student’s immunization status, contact your child’s physician, the local Health Department, or the school nurse.
These forms are due by September 30, 2024. In order to comply with Georgia Code 20-2-770, 20-2-771 and GA DHR Chpt. 290-5-31, your child may be withdrawn from school should they not be received by the above date.
Please reach out to Lorianne Wolfe, RN, with any questions or concerns at 770-727-5520 or email at lorianne.wolfe@cowetacharteracademy.org