Sarasota County Schools

Emergency Health Needs

In this Chapter

• High Risk and Health Concerns Lists
• Accidents and Injury
• When to Contact Parent/Guardian
• Emergency Plan of Action
• Emergency Health Standards
• Critical Incidents
• Suicide Attempts

High Risk and Health Concerns Lists

Using medical information obtained from the Health Emergency Information Card and the Health History Form submitted by parent/guardian, a High-Risk List and a Health Concerns List is developed for students with health problems that may require emergency medical attention. These lists are to be prepared in SIS and a hard copy will be distributed as per protocol specific to the school.  

The school RN will create and maintain the above-mentioned lists and advise staff of any changes as needed.  In addition, the school RN will create and distribute Individualized Health Care Plans and/or an Emergency Action Plan to school staff on a “need to know” basis when appropriate.  Both lists will be given to the principal/ administration for placement in the emergency management supply kit and must be updated as students’ health needs change and upon enrollment or departure from the school. 

Examples of “high risk” conditions include, but are not limited to:

• Diabetes
• Seizures
• Anaphylactic reactions
• Asthma conditions requiring medication

Examples of “health concerns” include, but are not limited to:

• ADD
• Medication or environmental allergies
• Asthma, when no medications are required

Contact the School Health office for instructions on creating and printing High Risk and Health Concerns Lists.        

Accidents and Injuries

When the school RN is present on campus, he/she should be contacted immediately.

When a serious illness or any type of accident occurs during the school day, the school is obligated to immediately notify the student's parents/guardians or the responsible person designated by the parents/guardians.  A Student Accident Report(these forms are available from Risk Management) is completed as indicated by school board policy.  Whenever a Student Accident Report is completed, or when unable to reach a parent or guardian about an accident or sudden illness, complete a  Student Injury Report.  Place one copy of the Student Injury Report in the student Cumulative School Health Record and send one copy to the parents/guardians.

The Student Injury Report should also be used to notify the parents/guardians in writing of any head injury, since symptoms may not be obvious at once and parents/guardians must be made aware of the possibility of symptoms developing later. The school should provide emergency care until either the parents/guardians or medical authorities assume responsibility.          

Parents/guardians should be contacted if the following situations occur:

• Any head injury, even if it appears minor
• Pain that does not relent in 30 minutes
• Bleeding that will not stop
• Any injury to any skeletal portion of the body
• Loss of consciousness
• Respiratory distress
• Ingestion of toxic or unknown material
• An infection, respiratory or otherwise, which might be contagious to others
• Any illness or emergency in question
• The temperature of 100.4°F oral, 99°F auxiliary or higher (NO RECTAL TEMPERATURES ALLOWED)
• An eye injury.
• Change in mental status/loss of consciousness.\
• Symptoms of shock, which may be present with an injury:
  • Restlessness or irritability
  • Rapid pulse and breathing
  • Pale, cool, damp skin
  • General weakness
  • Change in mental status/loss of consciousness

Emergency Plan of Action

When the school RN is present on campus, he/she should be contacted immediately.

• If necessary, initiate a call to 911.
• Immediately notify the school administrator.
• Administer First Aid according to standard procedures learned in First Aid training.
• Notify parent or guardian of student's condition.  If parent/guardian cannot be contacted, call the person identified by the parent on the Health Emergency Information Card as the person to call in an emergency.
• Once EMS decides to transport student, school personnel are not required to accompany the student.  A copy of the student's Health Emergency Information Card, which gives hospital personnel permission for treatment in an emergency, should accompany the student. 
• Always record the nature of the incident and action taken in the student's clinic visit record.
• Notify the school RN or School Health office (32101) of all 911 calls.

Emergency Health Standards

When the school RN is present on campus, he/she should be contacted immediately.

• The person nearest the scene who is certified in First Aid should administer First Aid as promptly as possible.  
• Standard (Universal) Blood and Body Fluid Precautions should be used in the administration of all First Aid.
• When school RNs provide emergency treatment for students who are injured or ill, it is done under current DOH-Sarasota standard nursing practices.
• 911 can be called to assess the situation.  
• When a major emergency necessitates immediate transfer to the hospital, call 911, notify the principal and contact the parent/guardian immediately.
• All employees who staff the health room plus two or more additional school staff currently certified in the administration of First Aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation shall be available in each school, according to Florida Statute s.381.0056. 
• A list of those persons currently certified in First Aid and CPR shall be given to the principal and displayed in the health room, school office, cafeteria, gymnasium, home economics classrooms, industrial arts classrooms, and other areas that pose an increased potential for injuries.  Compiling and updating this list is the responsibility of the health room aide/LPN.
• First Aid supplies should be kept in an easily accessible location that is known to all.  In large schools, multiple locations may be designated.
• The Emergency Medical Services telephone number (911) shall be prominently placed on all phones.
• Responsibility for payment for emergency services will be assumed by the parents/guardians.  There is no charge unless a student is transported or medical supplies are used. 

Critical Incidents

(emergency weather situations, bomb threats, guns on campus, etc.)

The School Board of Sarasota County has developed a manual to assist schools to deal with critical incidents.  The manual is called “Sarasota County Schools Site Emergency Plan”.  Check with the administration at your school for the location of the manual and become familiar with the contents.

When an evacuation is ordered during emergency situations, all prescribed and emergency medication must be placed in a container and removed by the health room personnel along with the medication/treatment book.  The medication container and book must remain in the possession of the health room personnel until the situation has abated and entry into the facility is allowed.

Suicide Attempts

For information on addressing a suicide attempt, consult the administration or a mental health professional at your school.  Check with the administration at your school for the location of the manual and become familiar with the contents.