EMERGENCY RESPONSE PROCEDURES

Chapter 8

Emergency

An emergency requiring immediate action is determined by:

• Heavy bleeding

• Difficulty breathing

• Contact/suspected contact with poison

See Table 8.1 for other indicators of emergencies

Emergency Response Procedures

• Be organized: be calm and know what to do

• Be Trained: CPR, first aid, rescue breathing

• Have emergency information accessible: – Parental emergency info forms– Parental consent form– Health records– Injury reports and Master log of injuries

• Additional emergency information– Phone numbers posted by phone (required by

CA law) such as poison control, fire, police

• Evacuation Plan posted by phone (required)

• Earthquake supplies and individual kits

• First Aid Kit: See Table 8.4

CPR and First Aid

• Bi-annual (every two years) certification is required in CA for anyone who will be alone with children in a child care situation

In this class I am not covering Basic CPR and First Aid and First Aid procedures sections of text, as these are covered in your certification classes

Disaster Preparedness

• Fire is the most common disaster

Two basic disaster types:

1. Evacuation: flooding, fire

2. Survival Procedures: earthquake

Evacuation

• Plan must be planned, posted and practiced. CA law requires that you document your evacuation plan and practice.

See Table 8.9

Survival Mode Procedures

• CA requires three days supplies of food and other necessities

See Table 8.11

Oral presentation

Coping with Disaster

• Adults must model:– Calm– As-much-in-control-as-possible– Reassuring – Establish routines

Emotional Reactions to a Disaster

Stages of emotional reaction:1. Immediate: confusion, fright, sadness2. Days to weeks later: aggressiveness (boys,

especially), wanting to express feelings and experiences through play and talking.Disruptions in sleep, eating, and other daily patterns may occur.

Emotional Reactions, cont’d

3. Resolution: up to about 1 month

Boys may take longer to get over the emotional implications of a disaster

If worrisome behaviors continue, a mental health professional should be consulted

Education

• Share information on disaster procedures with parents, as many procedures can be implemented at home as well.

Cultural Sensitivity

Families and children who have already experienced trauma may be especially traumatized by an emergency or disaster. Be sensitive to their needs without being intrusive. Get professional assistance, if needed.