Asthma attacks can be life-threatening, and the tragic death of 12-year-old Ryan Gibbons serves as a heartbreaking reminder of just how dangerous they can be.
Ryan, a vibrant and energetic boy who loved motorbikes and hiking, suffered a fatal asthma attack due to a critical mistake — a mistake that could have been avoided.
On October 9, 2012, Ryan went to school like any other day. However, this day would be different. While playing soccer, Ryan experienced an asthma attack. He was unable to access his rescue medication, which was locked in the school office.
He could have used his inhaler at the onset of the attack, but it was taken from him. The school’s policy required that inhalers be kept in the principal’s office, and despite repeated requests from Ryan’s mother and a doctor’s note, he wasn’t allowed to keep one on hand.
A group of Ryan’s friends tried to help by carrying him to the office, but they couldn’t get to the inhaler in time. Ryan lost consciousness and was never revived.
This tragic event unfolded at Elgin Country School in Ontario, Canada, and shocked the entire nation. An investigation revealed that Ryan’s school had refused to allow him to keep his inhaler with him, even though his mother and a doctor had provided the necessary documentation. Despite this, Ryan often brought an extra inhaler to school to circumvent the rule, but it was repeatedly confiscated.
Sandra Gibbons, Ryan’s mother, explained how she received several phone calls from the school asking her to pick up the inhalers Ryan had brought. He was not allowed to take them home with him. “You would give him an inhaler, but then he’d get caught with it, and it would be taken away,” she said in an interview with CBC. “Then I’d get a phone call. It was very frustrating. I didn’t realize the policy stated the prescribed medication had to be kept in the office.”
While Ryan’s death was devastating, it sparked a change. Sandra Gibbons, determined to prevent other families from suffering the same fate, launched a petition urging the Ontario government to implement standardized asthma management plans in schools. She also advocated for the passage of a private member’s bill introduced by Progressive Conservative Jeff Yurek.
“When Ryan passed away, it was like losing everything I lived for,” Sandra shared with Allergic Living. “After burying my son, I knew this was a preventable attack. If people had been properly trained and recognized the signs of distress, he would still be here today.”
Sandra’s tireless efforts eventually led to the creation of “Ryan’s Law.” Bill 135, which mandates that children be allowed to carry their inhalers in their pockets or backpacks with a doctor’s note, was passed with unanimous support in the legislature.
Sandra expressed her relief and joy at the law’s passing, saying, “I’m overwhelmed, emotional, and so happy it’s going to be implemented.”
The Asthma Society of Ontario also applauded the law, with Dr. Rob Oliphant, president of the society, emphasizing, “It is essential that children with asthma have ready access to potentially life-saving asthma medications while at school.”
While many states in the U.S. have laws that allow students to carry inhalers, some schools still deny children access to these lifesaving devices, often due to blanket anti-drug policies.
Asthma remains a significant health issue, with more than 10 Americans dying each day from asthma-related complications. Although death rates have decreased in recent years, every asthma-related death is potentially preventable.
Ryan Gibbons’ death, though tragic, became the catalyst for important change, saving countless lives in the process. Without Sandra’s struggle for justice, many more children might have faced the same fate.
Let’s take a moment to remember Ryan and share his story to raise awareness about the critical importance of having immediate access to asthma medication. Share this article with friends and family — it could save a life.