STUDENT INJURY

Background

The District places a high priority student safety and injury prevention. In the event that a student experiences an injury while at school or on a school-sponsored event, appropriate care of the student will be exercised.

Wherever possible, school personnel with First Aid training will examine the student to determine, within their training expertise, the nature and extent of the injury. In all cases the Principal or designate examining the student shall act in the manner of a reasonable and prudent parent (“in loco parentis”).

Procedures

1. In all cases where medical treatment is administered to a student on or off school premises, the parent/guardians are to be informed as soon as practicable.
2. In cases of minor injury:
   1. School personnel will determine whether arrangements should be made to have the student sent home, rest in the medical room, or return to class. If the student is kept at school the student should be monitored until school personnel are satisfied that monitoring is not required.
   2. Before treating minor injuries, school personnel are to check verbally or from the child’s record card whether there are any allergies that may affect the child’s treatment.
3. Where the injury appears to warrant further medical attention but does not require 911 emergency assistance:
   1. The parent/guardian is to be contacted and informed of their child’s injury. The parent/guardian will direct school staff on any additional actions they deem appropriate (e.g. parent/guardian will take the child home, to their doctor or the hospital)
   2. Unless there are pressing reasons for not doing so, the parent/guardian will assume full responsibility for making appropriate arrangements for the medical treatment of the child from this point forward.
   3. Where a parent/guardian is unavailable, the Principal or designate shall take any additional action as deemed appropriate.
   4. Where a parent/guardian authorizes it, or in their absence the Principal deems it necessary, the Principal may authorize transportation of the student to a doctor or hospital.
4. If a student, upon initial examination, is suspected of having a serious injury:
   1. The student shall not be moved except where required by external dangers. A staff member, preferably with First Aid training, will be called to the scene and stay with the student until medical services arrive.
   2. The attending staff member or designate is to call 911 for emergency medical services. If an ambulance is required, a staff member may be assigned to accompany the student until the parent/guardian arrives.
5. All serious accidents or injuries to students and where there is potential for significant medical interventions shall be reported to the Superintendent’s Office.
6. Principals are to follow any required reporting process as per the BC Schools Protection Program.