Provision of first aid in the school is the responsibility of the member of staff in charge of the child at the time; the matron's department will take over for continuing care. There is always a qualified member of this department on duty in the building.
First aid boxes can be found in the following places:
All mini buses
Both science labs
Sports hall
Squash court
Creative arts dept (DT room)
Kitchen
Pre-prep dept
Nursery
Front office
First aid bags are available from the matron's department for outings
First Aid Training
First Aid training is organised regularly as part of the INSET programme. All teaching staff members hold a valid first aid certificate, receive training every 3 years to keep them current and have additionally been instructed in the use of an Epi-pen. Those who act as poolside attendants also update their first aid qualification biennially. Additionally, the Medical Matron, one other matron, and several teachers in the Early Years Dept, hold certificates in Paediatric First Aid.
Accidents in School
If a child has been involved in a very minor accident which needs some medical attention but which does not involve a knock on the head, a suspected broken bone or serious loss of blood, they should be sent to Matron.
When any member of staff is called to assist at an accident where they suspect that there might be a fracture of a bone or there is gushing blood, they should not move the child to the matron's room. They should send another person (a sensible child or another member of the staff) to fetch a matron, and only move the child if he/she is not safe where they are.
The child should be kept in as comfortable a position as the injury allows, supporting the affected limb. If there is gushing blood something (maybe an article of the child's clothing) should be used to put pressure on the wound, and keep the child as still and as warm as possible.
Taking the above action might prevent further damage to both the child and the staff member. It could be hazardous to take a child up the stone steps to the medical room.
What to do in a medical emergency
In medical emergencies, as when there has been an accident, a message should go as quickly as possible to Matron. (Extension 213). First aid should be performed. The Front Office should then be informed. Staff must use their judgement about the seriousness of the situation and, in some circumstances, should call an ambulance immediately.
Hygienic Procedure for the disposal of bodily fluids
Non latex gloves should be worn at all times - available from matrons department. Bio hazard yellow bags available from matrons department.
Faeces Large lumps of faeces on clothing should be disposed of down the lavatory and flushed appropriately.
Any wipes used that are not biodegradable should be bagged in a yellow biohazard bag and placed in the chemical waste bin in matron's office.
Any soiled clothing should be double bagged and -
Day children - parents to be informed and advised to collect bag from the matron's room.
Boarders - Soiled items should be sent to the laundry and washed separately at a high temperature.
Urine Day children - clothes should be double bagged and parents informed to collect from Matron's department at the end of the day.
Boarders - clothes should be double bagged and sent to the laundry and washed separately at high temperature.
Vomit Large lumps of vomit on clothing should be disposed of down the lavatory and flushed appropriately.
Any wipes used that are not biodegradable should be bagged in a yellow biohazard bag and placed in the chemical waste bin in matron's office.
Any soiled clothing should be double bagged and :-
Day children - parents to be informed and advised to collect bag from the matron's room.
Boarders - Soiled items should be sent to the laundry and washed separately at a high temperature.
The chemical waste bin is taken by the G.P. to be disposed of. (see disposal of medical waste protocol.)
Informing parents
In the case of an emergency, once an assessment has been made, parents are informed of any injury or illness and the treatment being given. The matron usually does this either by telephone or in a less urgent matter by a note given to the child to take home that evening. If matron is busy with the casualty, the Front Office will inform parents. If the child needs to go to hospital, matron will accompany the child until the parents take over responsibility.
Accidents to pupils are recorded by matron as appropriate. Accident reporting forms are kept in the bursar's office and there is an incident book in the Staff Common Room. All injuries to staff or visitors must be recorded in the accident book kept by the bursar.
Reportable Incidents to RIDDOR
Refer to the RIDDOR website
Incidents reportable to RIDDOR include
Death and major injury Over three day injury Disease Dangerous occurrences (near misses) Gas incidents Reportable gas incidents
These incidents should be reported by Nick Stiven to RIDDOR
Pupils' known medical complaints
Parents are expected to complete a medical questionnaire prior to a child entering the school. Information necessary for the care and safety of the child is given to all relevant members of staff.
Relevant medical diagnoses are recorded on the 'pupil profile' by the form teacher. This information is passed on from the medical matron. Staff will be advised of any relevant care which should be given to the child on a regular basis.
The administration of medicines of any sort, with the exception of certain asthmatic inhalers, is done by the matron's department.
There is a list in the Staff Common Room of those children who suffer from asthma, allergies or other conditions that should be known by teaching staff.
Chafyn Grove School is a nut-free environment to ensure the safety of those pupils with nut allergies.
Any child with a potentially dangerous condition is brought to the attention of all staff at a staff meeting and their photo is on Matron's board in the SCR This information is also on the pupil profiles.
Other medical information is kept confidentially in the Medical Records that are with Matron.
Administering medicine
Matron normally does this. If a child has received some medication, or a knock on the head, Matron will send a note home with the child telling the parents about the incident, the dose given, and with advice in case of developments.
Sun Protection
It is the responsibility of all staff to ensure that the pupils in their care have adequate sun protection. This is especially important when taking groups out for the day on trips or to sporting events. Remember to take sun cream and remind children to wear hats, if appropriate.