7.8       Critical Incidents

            Taking care of Pupils who become ill or are injured during the school day

Schools need to have procedures in place to deal with unanticipated illnesses or accidents involving pupils.

Pupils and parents should be made aware of these procedures so that when the need arises, pupils will follow the prescribed routine. For example, if a pupil is feeling ill s/he may be referred to the School Secretary who will contact home should the situation require it.

In all cases of illness and no matter how minor – a parent/guardian or an adult nominated by a parent/guardian should collect the pupil from the school if it is considered necessary to send the pupil home.

It is also advisable for the school to have a written record of the pupil leaving before the end of the school day, such as a ‘signing out’ system.

In the case of accidents occurring on the school premises during the school day the above routine may suffice in the case of very minor incidents. However, if the accident is more serious great care should be taken to ensure that the situation is dealt with adequately. Under Health and Safety Regulations all workplaces are required to have personnel trained in first aid. Where it is suspected that someone may have suffered a serious injury the First Aid person should make an initial assessment. This person must not attempt any medical assessment or attempt any para-medical action unless fully qualified to so do.

In the case of suspected or apparent serious injury the emergency services should be contacted immediately. As soon as possible the parents/guardians should also be contacted and informed of the situation.

It is recommended that all accidents should be reported in detail and recorded and kept on file. It is also a legal requirement to report serious accidents to the Health and Safety Authority.

            Crisis Management

From time to time serious events may occur which impinge on the staff or student body, the effects of which are outside the scope of the normal school psychological and pastoral/social care system.

Examples of such incidents:

·         The death of a pupil/teacher/staff member.

·         A serious injury or death of a person on school property and/or during school time.

·         The suicide of a pupil/parent/staff member.

·         A physical assault on a member of staff.

·         A criminal incident occurring during school time.

·         Incidents external to the school which might affect pupils e.g. a local tragedy.

Each school should have in place an action plan to be implemented immediately such a crisis or critical event occurs or is brought to the attention of the school authority.

ACCS Policy Guidelines on Crisis (critical incident) Management in Schools (link) are available to assist Boards of Management in this task.