Response To Unexpected Health Emergencies
(Opioid Poisoning / Cardiac Arrest)

Background

The District recognizes that unexpected Health Emergencies may occur within schools and worksites, and that there is an importance for lifesaving medical devices and a prompt response.
The purpose of this administrative procedure is to define the accessibility, maintenance, and use of life-saving medical devices, and to provide clear directions for their implementation in response to unexpected Health Emergencies.
The District will make available at each location both Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) and Naloxone kits to assist in the response of the associated Health Emergencies.

Definitions

Naloxone (Narcan): Naloxone temporarily reverses the effects of opioids by competing for the same neural receptor sites. Administration is by injection into the muscle or inhaled intranasally.

Opioid: Depressant medication typically used for pain relief that has the potential to slow breathing and heart rate. Opioids may be prescribed or obtained from an illicit source. Common opioids include heroin, fentanyl, oxycodone, codeine, morphine, methadone and hydromorphone.

Overdose: An overdose is a physiological response induced by the introduction of a substance or substances in the body of a person.

Automated External Defibrillator (AED): A portable device that delivers an electric shock to restore normal heart rhythm in the event of sudden cardiac arrest.

School Administrator: The individual in charge of the daily operations of a school.

Trained Responder: A School District employee with the required training to administer lifesaving devices in the case of unexpected health emergencies.

Responsibilities

This table outlines the responsibilities of the District regarding lifesaving medical devices and response to unexpected health emergencies. Overall administration of medical devices is the responsibility of the School Administrator.

Procedures

1. The District will achieve its unexpected health emergencies response objectives by
   1. Assigning school administrators to oversee the response to emergencies within the school
   2. Providing support to school administrators from Learning Services and Health and Safety departments
   3. Ensuring a defined process to respond to emergencies is captured in this procedure.
   4. Ensuring lifesaving medical devices are available and accessible to staff and students.
   5. Providing the required training and instruction to employees to ensure the safe performance of their duties
2. Unexpected Health Emergency response
   1. First on the scene shall notify the school administrator
   2. Contact 9-1-1 immediately
   3. Follow the guidance of the 9-1-1 dispatcher
   4. Pass off emergencies to medical professionals
   5. School Administration to notify Superintendent’s Office of unexpected Health Emergency
   6. If employee related, fill out the Incident Form and advise the Health and Safety Department
   7. If student or community related, fill out a Schools Protection Program (SPP) form and advise the Health and Safety Department
   8. Individuals administering life saving devices in good faith and in accordance with the procedure shall be protected by applicable Good Samaritan legislation
       
3. Opioid Poisoning response
   1. Look for signs of opioid poisoning
      1. Blue lips and fingertips (light skin), purple lips and fingertips (darker skin tones)
      2. Breathing is less than every 5 seconds
      3. Snoring or gurgling sounds
      4. Cannot be woken / remains unresponsive
   2. Check/Clear airway and provide breaths
      1. Tilt head back, check airway, prepare to give breaths
      2. Pinch nose, give 1 breath, watch for chest rising
      3. Evaluate breathing. Give 1 breath in between each of the next steps
   3. Prepare Naloxone.
      1. Take out Naloxone ampoule
      2. Hold the ampoule by the top, tilt and swirl to get liquid into the bottom
      3. Snap the top of the ampoule, snapping away from yourself
      4. Put the needle into the ampoule and draw the plunger to load the Naloxone
   4. Prepare needle and administer naloxone.
      1. Point needle up and push out air
      2. Push the needle into the upper arm or thigh and push the plunger until it clicks
      3. Check for breathing
   5. After 3 minutes if they are not breathing on their own give another dose of Naloxone
   6. Additional Opioid Poising information
      1. Providing breaths is critical to reduce the chance of brain injury
      2. Only provide CPR/breaths if trained to do so
      3. Naloxone only works on opioids and will not cause harm
      4. Responding to an overdose may be traumatic for the responder. Debrief protocols should be followed
4. Cardiac Arrest Response
   1. Look for the signs of Cardiac Arrest
      1. Sudden collapse
      2. Loss of consciousness
      3. Unresponsive to touch or sound
   2. Call 9-1-1 for help and obtain the AED
   3. Start Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)
   4. Use AED
      1. Turn on the power
      2. Follow prompts of AED
      3. Place pads on bare chest as per the illustrations
      4. Press the shock button when prompted by automated voice
      5. Continue CPR until emergency personnel arrive
      6. Responding to a Cardiac Arrest may be traumatic for the responder. Debrief protocols should be followed