Cardiac Emergency Preparedness

Dunlap Community Unit School District #323

Cardiac Emergency Response Plan

 

Objective:

To provide a clear and efficient protocol for responding to cardiac emergencies in order to ensure the safety and well-being of students, staff, and visitors within the school district.

Key Personnel:

  1. CPR Trained Staff
  2. School Nurse
  3. School Resource Officers (SROs)

Equipment:

  1. Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) located at strategic points within each school (AED Locations) 
  2. Emergency Medical Kits
  3. Communication devices (e.g., walkie-talkies, intercom systems)

Protocol:

  1. Immediate Response to a Cardiac Emergency:
    • Recognize: If an individual shows signs of cardiac distress (e.g., sudden collapse, unresponsiveness, no breathing or only gasping), alert nearby CPR trained staff, nurses, and SROs immediately. Note that the district also houses undesignated Naloxone, Albuterol, and Epinephrine for other emergency needs. 
    • Call for Help: Dial 911 and inform them of the situation, providing details about the individual’s condition and the exact location within the school.
  2. CPR and AED Administration:
    • CPR Trained Staff/Nurses:
      • Start CPR immediately. Follow the latest guidelines for compressions and rescue breaths.
      • Send someone to retrieve the nearest AED.
    • Using the AED:
      • Turn on the AED and follow the voice prompts.
      • Ensure the chest is dry and attach the AED pads correctly.
      • Allow the AED to analyze the heart rhythm. If a shock is advised, ensure no one is touching the individual and deliver the shock.
      • Continue CPR immediately after the shock, or if no shock is advised, continue CPR until emergency medical personnel arrive or the individual shows signs of life.
  3. Roles and Responsibilities:
    • CPR Trained Staff:
      • Administer CPR and use the AED as needed.
      • Rotate with other trained staff to avoid fatigue.
    • On-Site Nurses:
      • Take the lead in medical response.
      • Assist with CPR and AED usage.
      • Provide additional medical care as needed.
    • School Resource Officers:
      • Maintain a safe environment and crowd control. The Standard Response Protocol for the medical emergency would be HOLD. 
      • Assist emergency responders with access to the school and provide any necessary information.
      • Support CPR and AED administration if trained.

       

  4. Post-Emergency Procedures:
    • Documentation:
      • Record the incident details, including the time of collapse, the time CPR started, AED usage, and the time emergency services arrived.
    • Debriefing:
      • Conduct a debriefing session with all involved personnel to discuss the response, identify any issues, and provide emotional support.
    • Equipment Check:
      • Inspect and restock the emergency medical kit.
      • Ensure the AED is functional and replace any used components.
    • Notification:
      • Inform the student’s parents or the affected individual’s emergency contacts.
      • Report the incident to district administration and relevant authorities.

         

  5. Training and Drills:
    • Regular Training:
      • Provide regular CPR and AED training sessions for staff, including updates on the latest guidelines.
    • Emergency Drills:
      • Conduct regular cardiac emergency drills to ensure preparedness and efficiency in response.
      • Review and revise the safety plan based on drill outcomes and feedback.
  6. Communication Plan:
  • Internal Communication:
  • Use intercom systems or walkie-talkies to communicate the emergency and coordinate the response.
  • External Communication:
    • Establish a protocol for communicating with parents, guardians, and the community about the incident, respecting privacy laws and policies.

Conclusion:

This Cardiac Response Safety Plan is designed to ensure a swift and effective response to cardiac emergencies, enhancing the safety and well-being of everyone within the school district. Regular training, clear communication, and proper use of medical equipment are crucial components of this plan.