Accident / Injury Policy

Accident / Injury Policy

Introduction
This policy was originally drafted in 2003as a response to newly enacted Health & Safety legislation. It was re-drafted in 2007 by the whole school staff and this revised policy applies to all users of the school premises and all school related activities. A separate contract will be devised covering external agencies using the school premises outside of school hours.

Rationale
The formulation of this policy enables our school to effectively –
• Provide for the immediate needs and requirements of students who have sustained either a serious or a minor injury
• Ensure that adequate resources and arrangements are in place to deal with injuries/accidents as they arise
• Ensure lines of communication with parents/guardians are in place if required
• Activate a known plan of action with which all staff are familiar

Roles and Responsibilities
The overall responsibility for the day to day management of school supervision /routines rests with the Principal. The class teacher is responsible for classroom supervision and teachers on yard duty are directly responsible for the supervision of pupils at break time. The schools Health and Safety Officer is Grainne Reid. The First Aid Officer is Ms Grainne Reid. Fire Drill coordinator is Mr Colm Breathach.

School Ethos
This policy re-enforces the elements of the school mission statement which advocates providing a safe and secure learning environment for each child and ensuring a duty of care at all times when the school is in operation.
Aims/Objectives
• To ensure the physical safety and well being of all staff and pupils
• To develop a framework of procedures whereby all injuries are dealt with in a competent and safe manner
• To provide training staff development and the effective use of outside expertise so that children have access to proper interventions
• To comply with all legislation relating to safety and welfare at work

Procedures
Safety of pupils and staff is a priority for the Board of Management, and robust measures have been put in place to ensure no children or staff are put at risk
• A comprehensive school Safety Statement has been recently revised whereby all hazards are identified and remedial measures are outlined, if required
• The school is insured under Church and General Insurances and a 24 hour policy, underwritten by Brennan Insurances is in place for all children
• The provision of specialist First Aid Training for staff has been identified as a priority by Board of Management
• Each classroom teacher regularly instructs his/her class on issues relating to safety in the class/yard. Dangerous practices such as climbing trees, climbing goalposts, throwing stones, running fast in the Infant areas, engaging in “horseplay”, fighting etc. are subject to severe sanctions (see School Anti-Bullying and Discipline Policies)
• Certain procedures are in place in the event of accidents
• There is at least one teacher and three adults on yard duty at any one time
Minor Accident/Injury
The injured party is initially looked after by the teacher on yard duty. If deemed necessary, the child will be taken to the ‘sick bay’ which is the 6th class room. No medicines are administered but cuts are cleaned with anti septic wipes and bandages/plasters applied if deemed appropriate. The use of plastic gloves is advised at all times. Parents are notified as a matter of protocol.
More Serious Accidents/Injuries
If considered safe to do so, the injured party is taken to the sick bay. Parents/guardians are immediately informed, particularly if there is a suspicion of broken bones/head or eye injuries. The child is kept under intense observation until parents /guardians arrive, with the emphasis on making the child as comfortable and as settled as possible.
Very Serious Injuries
In the event of a very serious injury, parents/guardians are immediately contacted. If the considered opinion of the staff is that immediate professional help is required, an ambulance is called. On rare occasions the staff may agree that taking the child to Accident & Emergency in a private car is a more prudent option particularly in the case of rapid blood loss. Parents are kept informed of developing situations.

Categories of Injury / School Procedures
Minor Cuts and Bruises
Method:
In all cases of injury it is understood that there is at least one teacher on yard duty.
• Clean around cuts using antiseptic wipe/cloth, cleaning from the centre outwards
• Gloves are used at all times to reduce risk of spread of infection
• A check is carried out to locate small bodies which may be embedded in the wound
• Plaster, gauze or lint is placed on the wound
• Teacher observation is maintained
• Children are advised to show/tell parents
• In sports, helmets must be worn

Sprains/Bruises
Method:
• In the event of a sprain/bruise, the process of rest, ice, compress and elevate is implemented
• If in doubt, parent/s are contacted
• Teacher observation is maintained

Faints and Shocks
Method:
• Lie the casualty down
• Raise the legs above the level of the heart
• Loosen any tight clothing
• Ensure there is fresh air
• Keep crowds away
• Reassure casualty when they recover
• Contact parents
• The event is subsequently recorded in the Accident Book

Severe Bleeding
Method:
• Act instantly – Go, Go, Go!
• Set or lie the injured party down
• Press down on wound using gloves
• Lift (if possible) the injured part above the level of the heart
• Put a clean dressing over the wound and secure it firmly with a bandage
• If blood shows through the dressing then place another one over the first and bandage firmly
• Treat for shock
• GET HELP!
• Contact parents
• If very serious contact casualty immediately
• Record in accident book

Burns/Scalds
Method:
• Immediately remove child from danger area
• Cool burnt area with cold running water
• Remove rings etc. and other tight fitting accessories
• Do not remove objects stuck to skin
• In the event of a minor burn use a special burn gauze/burneze

Unconsciousness
Method:
• Ring for medical help
• Place child in recovery position
• Ring for parents
• Check for broken bones, neck or back injury
• If subject is not breathing, artificial respiration is applied
• Other children are kept away

Stings/Bites
Method:
• Vinegar is used for wasp stings
• Bread soda is used for bee stings
• If case is serious/ parent/s are contacted
The First Aid Policy is based on collective teacher input. The teacher on yard duty is automatically assisted by others in the case of a serious injury
Resources
Three First Aid Boxes are located in strategic areas of the school. All staff are aware of these locations. The contents of such boxes are replenished when deemed necessary by the Health and Safety Officer or some other designated staff member.
Record Keeping
All accidents / injuries are recorded in the Accident Report Book which is located in the staff room. One Accident Report Book covers all children in the school. Teachers are encouraged to keep a separate copy of accident report forms relating to injuries sustained by children in their class. The accident report form lists date and time of accident, witnesses, nature of injuries, a brief description of the circumstance of the accident, procedures followed by staff etc.
Very serious injuries will be notified to the Schools Insurers on the special Incident Report Form.
Relevant medical information on all pupils is obtained at time of enrolment on a special section of the schools enrolment form. This section asks parents to list allergies and other medical conditions their child may have.
Evaluation
The success of this policy is measured from a set criteria –
• Maintaining a relatively accident free school environment
• Positive feedback from staff, parents, children
• Continual yard observation of behaviour by all staff engaged in supervision duties
• Monitoring and evaluation at staff meetings
Ratification
This revised policy was ratified by the Board of Management

Administration of Medicines
While the Board of Management has a duty to safeguard the health and safety of pupils when they are engaged in authorised school activities this does not imply a duty upon teachers to personally undertake the administration of medicines.
The Board of Management requests parents to ensure that teachers be made aware in writing of any medical condition suffered by any children in their class.
• Non-prescriptive medicines will neither be stored nor administered to pupils in school. Prescribed medicines will not be administered in school without the written consent of parents and the specific authorisation of the Board of Management.
• The medicine should not be kept by the pupil but in a locked cupboard out of reach of pupils. Certain medicines, such as inhalers used by asthmatic children, must be readily accessible at all times of the school day.
• The medicine should be self-administered if possible, under the supervision of an authorised adult.
• A written record of the date and time of administration must be kept.
• A teacher should not administer medication without the specific authorisation of the Board.
• No teacher can be required to administer medicine or drugs to a pupil.
• In emergency situations qualified medical assistance will be secured at the earliest opportunity.
• Parents of a pupil requiring regular medication during school hours should write to the Board to authorise a member of staff to administer the medication in school.
• Written details are required from the parent/guardian to the Board of Management giving the name of the child, name and dose of medication; whether the child should be responsible for his/her own medication; the circumstances in which medication is to be given by the teacher and consent for it to be given; when the parent is to be notified and where she/he can be contacted. It is the parent’s responsibility to check each morning whether or not the authorised teacher is in school unless an alternative arrangement is made locally.
• Where children are suffering from life threatening conditions, parents should outline clearly in writing, what can and can’t be done in a particular emergency situation, with particular reference to what may be a risk to the child.
• Parents are further required to indemnify the Board of Management and authorised members of staff in respect of any liability that may arise regarding the administration of prescribed medicines in school. The Board of Management will inform the school’s insurers accordingly.
• Where possible the family doctor should arrange for the administration of prescribed medicines outside of school hours.
• Where permission has been given by the Board of Management for the administration of medicine the smallest possible dose should be brought to school, preferably by the parent, with clear written instructions for administration, giving the name of the pupil.
• Changes in prescribed medication (or dosage) should be notified immediately to the school with clear written instructions of the procedure to be followed in storing and administering the new medication.
• Letter to be sent to parents enclosed.
Parents should ensure that these procedures are clearly understood before submitting any request to the Board of Management

This policy will be reviewed as and when necessary.