Category J: Students
Procedure J4: Medical Emergencies
The District will have a Medical Emergency Response Plan consistent with the requirements of Massachusetts General Law Chapter 69 Section 8A. As required, the plan shall be developed in consultation with the District physician, District Nurse Coordinator, the school nurse(s), athletic coaches and trainers, District emergency coordinators, and local emergency medical services agencies. The plan shall be reviewed and revised, as appropriate, for submission to the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education once every three years.
The District has identified the following situations requiring an emergency medical response:
- Sudden health or safety risk to student or staff
- Emergency care needed – from a life threatening condition
- Mental health care situation
District staff should follow established protocols for each of these emergency medical situations.
In situations requiring 911 contact, the Main Office should be the primary contact when possible. In cases where calling the Main office first may jeopardize the safety of the student or staff member requiring emergency assistance, reporting staff should contact 911 directly. In all instances when 911 is contacted, the Superintendent should be informed as soon as possible.
Health care providers, medical staff and parent/guardians should be contacted per guidelines for each situation. In situations requiring first aid, the school medical provider (typically school nurse) should take charge to protect the life and comfort of the child until authorized treatment is secured. Only in emergency situations where school-based medical personnel are not available may a member of the school staff administer first aid. Upon arrival of 911 assistance, school-based administration of care should cease.
Students should not be transported to their home or to a physician’s office in the private vehicle of a nurse or school employee. Either emergency transportation or transportation provided by the parent/guardian should be used. If a parent cannot be reached and a student must be transported, commercial transportation should be utilized and billed to the parent. Waiving of this policy may be considered only in emergencies.
The District Medical Emergency Response Plan should include information required by state law regarding automated external defibrillators in the District.
Authorizing Document(s)
Updated:
July 2014