The Halton Catholic District School Board (HCDSB) has informed parents about the uptick in Sudden Arrhythmia Death Syndrome (SADS) in children. .“SADS refers to a variety of cardiac disorders which are often genetic and undiagnosed that can be responsible for sudden cardiac death in young apparently healthy people,” said the HCDSB in a memo. .“Fainting or seizure during/after physical activity or resulting from emotional excitement, emotional distress, or being startled can be a warning sign of Sudden Arrhythmia Death Syndrome.” .HCDSB said a school’s response is to call 911 and inform the child’s parents or guardians. The parent is to be provided information about SADS and a fainting episode form. .The school board went on to say the student is to not participate in physical activity until cleared by a doctor. It added the form is to be completed by a parent or guardian and returned to the school’s administration. .HCDSB adopted a policy about SADS in 2013, but it was updated in January. .It said the purpose of the policy is to provide staff and administration with information about how to manage students with heart conditions, recognize warning signs of SADS, and respond to emergency situations. .“The Administrative Procedure for identified Cardiac Rhythm Disorders and Congenital Heart Disease and Sudden Arrhythmia Death Syndrome is a guideline to be used by school administrators, and appropriate others, to assist students in managing their heart condition and to respond to an emergency situation on school site and/or at off site school/HCDSB approved activities,” it said. .Conservative leadership candidate Leslyn Lewis said on August 3 governments need to look into a similar disorder called Sudden Adult Death Syndrome. .READ MORE: Lewis demands answers on Sudden Adult Death Syndrome.“We were quickly told this wasn’t vaccine-related,” said Lewis. .“But that is not good enough.”
