Little boy Ryan Gibbons dies at school after they confiscate his inhaler and lock in office

Ryan Gibbons was a 12-year-old boy from Ontario, Canada, who tragically passed away in 2012 due to an asthma attack at school. His death sparked widespread discussion about school policies regarding students with medical conditions.

What Happened to Ryan Gibbons?

Ryan attended Straffordville Public School in Ontario and had asthma. According to reports, Ryan’s school had a policy that required inhalers to be stored in the principal’s office rather than allowing students to carry them.

On October 9, 2012, Ryan suffered a severe asthma attack during recess. His friends tried to get his inhaler from the office, but they were unable to reach it in time. As a result, Ryan could not get the life-saving medication he needed and tragically passed away.

The Aftermath and Advocacy for Change

After Ryan’s death, his mother, Sandra Gibbons, became a strong advocate for policy changes to ensure that no other child with asthma would face a similar fate. She pushed for legislation that would allow students to carry their inhalers at all times.

Her efforts contributed to the passage of Ryan’s Law in 2015. This law, passed in Ontario, requires schools to allow students with asthma to carry their inhalers and use them when necessary. It also mandates better asthma education for school staff to ensure they can respond appropriately to medical emergencies.

Lessons from the Tragedy

Ryan’s case highlights the dangers of restrictive policies on life-saving medication. It also serves as a reminder of the importance of proper medical preparedness in schools. Since the passage of Ryan’s Law, more awareness has been raised about asthma management in educational institutions, potentially saving lives.