Emergency Preparedness

When a student collapses and seconds matter, will your school be ready? Or will confusion slow your response? In our recent webinar, emergency preparedness experts shared what every school health professional needs to know about knowing what to do during a cardiac emergency. AED legislation varies from state to state and changes often, so it’s critical to stay informed and ensure your school is always in compliance.

Types of AED Legislation in Schools

The intricacies of AED legislation can make it challenging for schools to stay compliant, especially if you don’t fully understand what’s required. Each state has its own laws that can vary widely, and nearly every state has proposed new AED legislation. Much of it targets schools, often creating a “follow the leader” effect as states model their requirements after others. Staying on top of these changes isn’t just smart — it’s essential to keeping your school prepared and protected.

Common elements of AED legislation include:

• Good Samaritan/Civil Liability: A legal protection to those who voluntarily offer assistance
  • Schools: Generally covered if they comply with laws and AED is maintained and tested according to manufacturer guidelines.
  • Personnel: Generally covered if staff or bystanders use the AED in an emergency in “good faith” and without “willful or wanton misconduct”.
  • Trainers: Individuals or entities providing training are generally covered if they comply with statutory requirements and without “willful or wanton misconduct”.

• Basic AED Placement Laws: Having AEDs in the proper locations
• AED Use Reporting Laws: Reporting every incident an AED is used
• AED Training Requirements: Who, if any, must be trained?
• AED Placement Laws: Which entities must have an AED?

SH Connect's law center lets you easily review current and upcoming regulations to keep your school informed of urgent updates. 

AED Placement in Schools

• 37 states require at least one AED on site at schools
• Many states require AEDs to be registered with local EMS
• Some states: 
  • Require AEDs at all athletic events
  • Require AEDs at all school sponsored events
  • Require AEDs in prominent locations around buildings
  • Try for AED placement allowing a 3-minute response time
  • Differentiate between public and private schools

Get a better idea of your state's AED requirements using the map below.

*CERP = Cardiac Emergency Response Plan. Learn more about CERPs here.

AED Training Requirements

Some states have few or no mandates for AED training, while others have multiple. Most commonly, athletic coaches and trainers need to stay certified, usually renewing every two years through the American Heart Association (AHA) or the Red Cross. In some states, schools take it a step further by establishing emergency response teams with certain personnel.

It’s not just staff—many states require students to have AED training or education, sometimes making it a high school graduation requirement. In some places, students start learning as early as 7th grade as part of their health curriculum.

Staying compliant and prepared doesn’t have to be complicated. School Health has the tools and expertise you need to create a complete AED Emergency Plan—so your staff knows exactly what to do when every second counts. 

Why wait? Get a no-obligation consultation to help ensure your school is ready for a cardiac emergency.

HELPFUL RESOURCES

• Sudden Cardiac Arrest Webinar Recording
• SH Connect Compliance Management System
• AED Drill Checklist
• Cardiac Emergency Response Plan Example 1 & Example 2
• CPR & AED Training Equipment & Courses

Cardiac Emergency Response Plans

When a student collapses on the gym floor, there’s no time to wonder who should call 911 or where the AED is kept. Chaos, hesitation, or confusion in those critical moments can cost a life. A Cardiac Emergency Response Plan (CERP) ensures that every second is used to save one. That’s why CERPs are becoming mandated across the country — 38 states and counting now require schools to have a clear, written protocol for exactly what to do when every second matters.

Common elements of a CERP include:

• A designated Cardiac Response Team (CERT)
• Clear protocols for activating the CERP and EMS
• A CERP communication plan for EMS, staff, students, and parents
• Integration with local EMS
• Trained and assigned staff with specific roles
• Accessible AEDs with documented locations
• Annual review and drills (including practice drills)
• Post-event debriefing for review and reflection of what went well and what could be improved on

[See CERP examples: Example 1 & Example 2]

Developing a Cardiac Emergency Response Team

Creating an effective Cardiac Emergency Response Team (CERT) starts with involving your school administration and nurse. The school nurse or health coordinator plays a significant role in planning and implementing the team, while the school administrator or principal provides overall command and coordination during an emergency.

A strong team includes CPR- and AED-trained staff members. Ideally, your team should include a at least 5–6 individuals to ensure coverage across different areas of the school. Athletic staff and coaches, security or custodial staff, and office or front desk personnel are all important members who can respond quickly when minutes matter.

It’s essential to remember that response plans are not one-size-fits-all. Each plan should be tailored to your school’s unique layout, population, and resources.

When developing your response plan, clearly assign the following responsibilities:

• Calling 911: Quickly alerting emergency services
• Retrieving the AED: Ensuring it reaches the scene immediately. AED placement is crucial – our emergency preparedness expert can help you make sure your AEDs are located within 3 minutes of every location in your school.
• Performing CPR: Having a second rescuer ready to assist and switch every two minutes. Need help with CPR training or keeping track of certifications? We have tools to make sure everyone is always ready. Contact us.
• Record Keeper: Documenting actions taken during emergency

By defining roles and responsibilities ahead of time, your school can respond to cardiac emergencies efficiently and effectively, giving students and staff the best chance for survival.

Several states have specific requirements for schools to have CERPS in place:

• Illinois: All public schools must have CERPs starting January 1, 2025
• New York: Requires CERPs with AED plans and trained personnel for all public schools
• Mississippi: Mandates CERPs beginning with the 2024–2025 school year
• Virginia: All public elementary and secondary schools must develop and practice CERPs annually.
• Maryland: Middle and high schools must have venue-specific emergency action plans for athletic facilities by July 1, 2024
• Kansas: New requirements take effect January 1, 2025
• Some states: 
  • Require CERPs and AEDs only at athletic events
  • Require CERPs for all school events and hours
  • Differentiate between public and private schools
  • Make compliance dependent on funding availability
    • Funding can entail direct state funding
    • State grant programs focused on disadvantaged schools
    • Allowing for the acceptance of donations

Laws vary by state and frequently change — SH Connect simplifies compliance by helping you track the latest AED and CERP requirements in your state.

Cardiac Emergency Response Team Training

A key part of Cardiac Emergency Response Team (CERT) training involves performing practice drills at least twice a year, which can be done with or without students present. To make drills realistic, it’s recommended to inform your CERP team that a drill will occur within a given timeframe, but don’t tell them the expected day or time.

For the drill, you’ll need:

• A CPR manikin
• An AED trainer
• An AED drill checklist
• CERP team members

After the drill, ask questions like:

• What went well/poorly?
• Were there any delays or confusion?
• Are AEDs accessible and functioning?

We're your one stop partner for everything emergency preparedness. With our tools and equipment

Looking for assistance on building a quality Cardiac Emergency Response Team tailored to your school? Connect with us.

HELPFUL RESOURCES

• AED Drill Checklist
• Cardiac Emergency Response Plan Example 1 & Example 2
• SH Connect Compliance Management System
• Sudden Cardiac Arrest Webinar Recording
• CPR & AED Training Equipment & Courses

October isn’t just the month for costumes and candy. It’s also Sudden Cardiac Arrest Awareness Month — a time to spotlight the leading cause of death that strikes without warning and affects over 350,000 people outside of hospitals each year.

SCA Survival Depends on Two Things:

1. Immediate and effective CPR
2. Quick access to and implementation of a working AED

The scariest part of all is when an AED is simply not ready when you need it most, which can cost lives. Manual AED checks are like chasing shadows. One moment they’re there—checked boxes, scribbled signatures, clipboard in hand—and the next, they’ve vanished. Paper logs mysteriously disappear. Tasks slip through the cracks. Human error sneaks in. And just when you think you're compliant...surprise! You're not.

This October, Ask Yourself:

• Have any AED pads or batteries expired?

• Do we know when each AED was last fully inspected — or even who’s responsible for doing the checks?

• Can we provide compliance and readiness if asked today — by parents, administrators, or regulators?

No More Haunting “What Ifs?” — with SH Connect

In schools, where safety matters most, relying on paper trails and guesswork is similar to walking through a haunted house blindfolded.

SH Connect is your all-in-one solution for emergency equipment management. No more late-night hunts for missing logs or second-guessing what was checked — or if it was checked at all. Our platform gives you real-time oversight of every inspection, every asset, and every requirement, all on one spooky-free, stress-free dashboard.

Chasing compliance shouldn't be a nightmare. Let SH Connect help you keep students and staff safe this spooky season and the ones to come. 

Connect with us to learn more.

National CPR and AED Awareness Week is a reminder of the power everyone holds when it comes to saving a life. According to the American Heart Association, during a cardiac emergency, for every minute that passes without CPR or a defibrillating shock, the probability of survival drops by about 10%*. This makes it important that bystanders know how to properly administer CPR and have quick access to an AED in times of crises. Through quality training and education, you’ll be able to foster the confidence you need to get one step closer to helping someone survive.

The Five Ways:

• Encourage CPR and AED Certifications – Encouraging others to get CPR and AED certified can help them learn the life-saving skills and techniques necessary to respond to sudden cardiac arrest. Communities can use education and awareness to create a network of prepared responders who know how to act swiftly during cardiac emergencies, ultimately saving more lives.
• Know the Signs and Symptoms – Actions as simple as telling someone to dial 911 or fetch the closest AED can make a difference in survival outcomes. Some AEDs, including ZOLL AEDs, provide written and verbal instructions to help inexperienced individuals perform quality CPR. If you witness somebody experiencing the following, be sure to act: 
  • No pulse or breathing
  • Loss of consciousness
  • Heart palpitations 
  • Loss of consciousness
• Evaluate AED Placement – Take the time to review the location of AEDs in your school or facility. They should be placed in visible areas and within three minutes of every location in your building.  This includes providing one on each floor and storing them 48 inches off the ground for better wheelchair accessibility. When thinking of AED implementation, many locations need to be considered, including:
  • Elevators
  • Outside stairways
  • Cafeterias
  • Fitness centers and gymnasiums
  • Primary entrances and reception desks
  • Main corridors
  • Outdoor areas where students play sports
• Ensure Rescue Readiness – Having emergency equipment readily available is vital for prompt intervention during SCA. Furthermore, having a well-defined emergency response plan can help ensure that everyone knows their roles and responsibilities in the event of sudden cardiac arrest. Staying ready for the unexpected at all times has the ability to increase survival rates and enhance overall public safety. Check out our School Safety Center and comprehensive supply list and use them as references when you're emergency planning and checking supplies off your list.
• Enable Your Community to Take Action – Brainstorming how you can spread awareness about the significance of CPR and AEDs is another way you can take part this week.  Sharing personal stories or testimonials via social media is one approach to this – be sure to use the hashtag #AEDsHelpSaveLives! Using a voice and word-of-mouth will help you shine the spotlight on this topic this week and for weeks to come.

* 2010 AHA Guidelines for CPR and ECC. 

Did you know that over 10 million people abuse prescribed opioids every year? According to the CDC, 1 in 7 high school students report that they have misused opioids at least once in their lifetime. The opioid crisis is a problematic pattern that can affect anyone regardless of race, gender, income level, or social class. Many of these incidents take place in educational settings, which is the one place where children should be safe. This makes it crucial that staff and students know what to do in the event of an overdose, share knowledge, and recognize the warning signs beforehand.

The Importance of Overdose Education in Schools

Detailed and comprehensive training within schools can empower the overall community to respond effectively to an overdose situation. Providing education about the dangers of opioids, along with how to prevent addiction and misuse, is an important initiative that schools can implement during this ongoing epidemic. Evidence-based prevention programs also have the ability to benefit schools by raising awareness and educating the overall school community about these drugs.

• Both students and staff can learn about the dangers of opioid misuse, how they can mitigate the risks in their environment, and ways to prevent addiction
• Schools can enforce an emergency plan outlining specific steps to be followed in the event of a drug overdose
• School communities can offer students support and guidance through addiction or recovery, promoting healthier coping mechanisms

What is Naloxone and Why Should Schools Have It?

Naloxone, also known as Narcan, is a medication used to rapidly reverse the effects of an opioid overdose. It works by binding to the same receptors in the brain that opioids bind to, reversing and blocking the harmful effects that occur during an overdose. It brings the fatal symptoms of an opioid overdose to a halt in a prompt, safe, and efficient manner. Typically administered as a nasal spray, this medication has the potential to restore normal breathing in the individual. Nevertheless, even if someone has received naloxone, they will likely still need professional medical attention to prevent a recurrence of symptoms. It’s important to acknowledge that naloxone only works if the person is suspected to have taken opioids. However, schools nationwide are prioritizing the implementation of it, with the goal of promoting safety and protecting students and staff. The Food and Drug Administration approved Narcan for non-prescription use in March of 2023, meaning that anybody has the ability to purchase it without a doctor's approval. Ever since, schools have been stocking naloxone in case of an emergency.

The Key Points of Naloxone

• Quick onset: Typically takes 1-5 minutes to restore normal breathing
• Safety: Not addictive and has low risk for adverse effects
• Over the counter: Accessible so that it is readily available for the people who need it

There are many steps that schools can take to prepare, prevent, and protect their community from opioid overdose. Overdose action plans should be thorough and involve a combination of education, support, and enforcement. School Health can help you get one step closer to saving a life with our new Naloxone Training Kits and other first aid necessities. Also, don’t forget to check out our recent webinar to learn more about this epidemic and what you can do to create a safer school environment, reducing the risk of opioid overdoses once and for all.

Resources

https://www.ed.gov/opioids/

https://www.cdc.gov/museum/education/newsletter/2022/july/index.html

https://dph.illinois.gov/topics-services/opioids/idph-data-dashboard.html

https://youth.gov/youth-topics/substance-abuse/opioids

https://drugabusestatistics.org/opioid-epidemic/

Due to recent incidents at sporting events and schools, there has been increased attention on CPR training. During health emergencies, performing CPR on an individual suffering from cardiac arrest could be the difference between life and death. According to the National Lung, Heart, and Blood Institute, there are around 300,000 to 450,000 deaths caused by cardiac arrest in the US every year.

The process to perform general CPR due to a cardiac arrest emergency is straightforward. Check to see if the individual is responsive and confirm that the surrounding area is safe. Call 911 immediately or have a bystander call for help. The individual should be on a flat surface, with their body and head in a neutral, laying position. Perpendicular to the chest of the individual, place your palm on the center of their chest, while interlacing your other hand on top. While positioning on your knees, stack your shoulder joints directly over your wrist joints with locked elbows for optimal compressions that will push the chest inward, about two inches deep, in a quick, constant rate until medical professionals arrive.

Men vs. Women

It may come as a surprise that women are not only less likely to have CPR performed on them, but they are also found to have lower rates of survival than men, even when CPR is performed. According to the American Heart Association, the factors that play into this difference include fears of accusations relating to sexual assault or sexual harassment, fears of causing physical harm to the female receiving CPR, or the person administering CPR may feel uncomfortable or unsure working near breasts.

Most manikins that people train with are modeled after men’s anatomy. However, in recent years, models and attachments have been created to mimic female anatomy, such as School Health’s PRESTAN Female Accessory. This creates a more accurately designed manikin and allows for an individual to practice performing CPR in a more realistic situation.

Infants, Toddlers, Adults

Differences in CPR application do not end there. CPR can be performed on all individuals to continuously help pump blood through the body, but certain individuals require different techniques.

CPR is taught using the two-hand method, however, if the individual suffering a cardiac arrest emergency is not an adult, different styles of CPR may be used instead. A toddler or child would usually not require the full force of two adult hands. For a smaller child or toddler, a one-hand method can be used to provide CPR. This is similar to the regular CPR method, but without the second, overlaying hand. For an infant, a two-finger or two-thumb method may be used to compress the chest, so as not to hurt the newborn.

Results

Performing CPR on an individual can double, or even triple, their chances of survival if administered immediately. It is important to perform CPR correctly on both men and women to give each a better chance at survival. While a child or infant may have a lower chance of a cardiac arrest emergency that requires CPR, giving those individuals a higher chance of survival matters, too. Every second counts!

References

https://cpr.heart.org/en/resources/cpr-facts-and-stats

https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/circ.142.suppl_4.139

https://www.heart.org/en/news/2020/11/23/why-people-fear-performing-cpr-on-women-and-what-to-do-about-it

https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/cardiac-arrest

https://www.redcross.org/take-a-class/cpr/performing-cpr/child-baby-cpr

National CPR and AED Awareness Week is June 1st through June 7th! Now more than ever, it’s important to ensure that your equipment is up to date in case of emergency. According to the American Heart Association, cardiac arrest occurs in about 7,000 children outside of the hospital each year. In addition, there are also about 10,000 cardiac arrest events in the workplace every year. It could happen to any student or faculty member and making sure those in an educational environment are properly trained can save a life.

AED Maintenance & Accessories

Just as CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) and AED (automated external defibrillator) certification needs to be renewed every couple years, batteries and pads for AED devices must also be maintained. Depending on model and life expectancy of the device, batteries and pads must be replaced every two to five years. For example, a Zoll AED 3 has both an electrode pad and battery lifespan of five years. This specific device even includes a warranty of eight years for the device itself and its battery. Be vigilant for any wear and tear of an AED, however, a service indicator light will appear if maintenance is necessary. Every AED is different, so always consult the owner’s manual for proper care and device use.

In preparation of an emergency, additional AED accessories, which include cases, wall mounted cabinets, kits, and more, can be used to extend device use and decrease upkeep. Not every educational facility requires the installation or availability of an AED device but being aware of AED locations is valuable in case of an emergency. For quick access, signage for AEDs should be placed in high traffic areas, such as hallways, main entrances, gymnasiums, auditoriums, cafeterias, and the nurse’s office. If unsure about proper care and display regulations, SH Connect, School Health’s AED compliance management service, helps schools ensure their AED Systems are compliant with local state and federal laws. This service and app can be accessed from anywhere with an internet connection, and it allows users to sort customizable reports to access information about their AEDs in order to ensure they are operating properly.

CPR & AED Training

CPR Certification through the American Heart Association costs about one dollar per student and only takes one class period to be trained. When a victim is given CPR immediately, their chances of survival double – or even triple. However, less than 40 states in the US require CPR training for high school students before they graduate. The CPR certification that students and faculty can receive will be valid for two years.

Along with CPR, an AED can further increase an individual’s chances of survival in a case of cardiac arrest. Those who receive a shock from an AED within the first minute of cardiac arrest, have a 90% chance of living through the event. While an AED can be an investment, the training certification through the American Heart Association is still a quick process and costs only slightly more than the cost of being CPR certified.

Stay Aware

National CPR and AED Awareness Week can help remind students and faculty how to prepare to save someone that experiences cardiac arrest. Applying CPR and maintaining AEDs might be a straightforward process but deciding which AED your school needs can be an overwhelming choice. School Health can assist with this impactful decision and can help find the correct device that would best fit your facility.

References

https://www.heart.org/en/news/2018/11/09/defibrillators-may-help-kids-survive-cardiac-arrest

https://cpr.heart.org/-/media/CPR-Files/Courses-and-Kits/CPRiS/CPR-in-Schools-Advocacy-Flyer-ucm_499702.pdf

https://cpr.heart.org/en/courses/cpr-in-schools-training-kits

https://cpr.heart.org/-/media/CPR-Files/Training-Programs/AED-Implementation/AED-Statistics-Infographic-English-ucm_501517.pdf

https://cpr.heart.org/en/courses/heartsaver-first-aid-cpr-aed-course-options

During periods of training and conditioning, such as the fall pre-season, instances of heat-related illnesses and emergencies in student-athletes increase. Over the summer, periods of intense heat cause concern not only for sports teams, but also for those who do not use proper protection from the heat and the sun. According to Cleveland Clinic, statistics about student-athletes say that around 9,000 cases of heat-related illnesses occur per year. In football, these cases are 11.4 times higher than all other sports combined. It is important to be aware of the causes and symptoms of heat-related illness and stay prepared in case of an emergency.

According to the National Athletic Trainers’ Association (NATA), the most common definition of heat illness includes three categories: heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke. However, there are also other classifications of heat illness, such as heat syncope.

Depending on the type of heat illness, symptoms may vary, but some indicators include:

•  High body temperature (above 105 degrees Fahrenheit)
•  Dizziness
• Nausea
• Heavy sweating
• Cold, pale, and clammy skin
• Fainting

What to do in an Emergency

Emergencies can and do happen, so having the proper plan in place is essential to prevent further harm or injury to an athlete. The first step is to recognize that the athlete is suffering from exertional heat illness. NATA states that a rectal thermometer is the only way to get a fast and accurate measurement of an athlete’s core body temperature. A temperature of 105 degrees Fahrenheit or above is an indicator of an emergency.

NATA also recommends the “cool first, transport second” method, meaning that if an athlete’s core body temperature is 105 degrees or more, sports staff must get the player’s temperature down to 102.5 degrees before they can be taken to a hospital. NATA says that the best way to quickly cool down the athlete is through a full-body cold water emersion. Cooling tubs or other water immersion devices are essential for this process. 

After a heat-related emergency occurs, athletes should work with their physicians to create a plan that will allow them to safely return to their sport.

Preventing a Heat-Related Emergency

Luckily, heat-related emergencies are highly preventable if the proper training and procedures are followed.

One of the best ways to reduce the risk of illness is through heat acclimation. In other words, allow your athletes to get used to the heat by slowly increasing the amount of outdoor exercise. It’s also important to monitor the temperature and humidity outside, pay attention to how long athletes are playing and practicing, and allow them to take a break or rest.

Athletic Trainers, Athletic Directors, and sports staff should always make sure that there are plenty of hydration options for their athletes as well. Ensuring that athletes are staying hydrated before, during, and after practices and events is key. Athletes can also enhance their performance and reduce the risk of illness by getting the proper amount of sleep and eating a balanced diet.

Resources:

https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/16425-heat-illness

https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/heat-related-illness-and-young-athletes-3-important-things-parents-and-coaches-need-to-know

https://www.nata.org/sites/default/files/externalheatillnesses.pdf

https://www.cdc.gov/disasters/extremeheat/warning.html

https://www.nata.org/press-release/092115/nata-publishes-new-exertional-heat-illnesses-position-statement

https://schoolhealth.my.salesforce.com/sfc/p/#U0000000K0lZ/a/6f000000kIhW/JM.X5iuIb0ZfXlqOyZTX8PGRe0M9W_6pxt7vaAEgXdE

https://www.news9.com/story/5e35a40283eff40362be4ee1/oklahoma-teen-survives-heat-stroke-warns-others

https://www.nbcnews.com/health/health-news/extreme-heat-becomes-more-common-ers-turn-body-bags-save-n1274675

Students are currently going to school in a variety of settings, whether that is at home, in person, or a mix of both. However, as districts slowly welcome their students back to full in-person learning, it is important that schools are adequately prepared to keep their students safe in case of an emergency.

Traumatic Bleeding and Stop the Bleed

From 2013 to 2019, there were 549 incidents of gunfire on school grounds. Unfortunately, this number shows how important it is for districts to be prepared in case of a tragic event. In general, uncontrolled bleeding is the leading cause of preventable death in trauma patients. Providing students and staff with the proper training to respond to these situations is key not only for incidents involving gunfire, but also for other instances where traumatic bleeding can occur. The American College of Surgeons’ Stop the Bleed program is a great initiative that trains people on what to do in case of an emergency. You can shop Stop the Bleed kits, tourniquets, and more here.

Cardiac Arrest

According to the American Heart Association, cardiac arrest occurs in about 7,000 children outside of the hospital each year. This, coupled with new COVID-19 research showing that the virus has the potential to affect the heart, means that schools need to be prepared with the proper equipment in case of a cardiac emergency. As schools open, it is imperative that they check their AEDs and AED accessories for signs of wear.

• Verify that AED batteries are working and have not expired.
• Check the service indicator light.
• Check for any wear and tear on the AED.
• Ensure that AED pads and accessories are not expired.
• Consider adding additional AEDs and signage in high traffic areas such as hallways, main building entrances, gymnasiums, cafeterias, auditoriums, and nurse’s office.

Fire Prevention, Burn Treatment, and Weather Emergencies

The National Fire Protection Association states that from 2014-2018 fire departments responded to an average of 3,230 structure fires in schools per year. The organization also found that school fires mostly started in bathrooms or locker rooms. After being closed throughout much of the last school year, it is imperative that schools check that their fire systems, including fire alarms, fire extinguishers, cooking equipment and water-based protection systems and sprinklers, are still fully functional. When it comes to weather-related emergencies, it is important for schools to have working weather monitors to stay informed on severe weather as well as a well-rehearsed plan of action in case of a tornado, or other event.

In addition, make sure your building has:

• Working exterior lighting with timers or motion sensing capabilities
• Working intrusion alarms, ventilator openings, and roof hatches
• Trees, bushes, and other plant life trimmed to keep areas around the building clear
• Trash receptacles stored away from buildings
• Monthly fire drills with students and staff so that everyone knows all evacuation procedures
• Proper equipment to for fire prevention and fire treatment
• Proper emergency evacuation equipment

School Lockdown

In the United States, firearms are the leading cause of death in children and teens, according to Everytown. The organization also states that so far in 2021, there have been 18 incidents of gunfire on school grounds across the country. In 2020, there were 67 incidents. In light of these numbers, schools need to have a lockdown plan in place, regularly practice lockdown drills with students and staff, and have the necessary lockdown supplies and emergency equipment on hand.

Drug Deactivation

In a 2017 survey from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, 2.2 million adolescents between the ages of 12-17 were illicit drug users. In case of an overdose emergency at school, the National Association of School Nurses states that it is the responsibility of the nurse to respond and give medication like Naloxone, or other drug deactivation assistance, since they would be the first health professional to come in contact with a student experiencing an overdose emergency.

Accidents and Injury

Accidents and injury can happen at any time, so schools need to be prepared with the proper supplies like first aid kits and accessories, including blankets and emergency lighting. Common cause of injuries at school include bullying, slipping and falling, playground accidents, food poisoning, school bus accidents, and sports injuries.

• Working flashlights and/or two-way radios with good batteries.
• Check the expiration dates and packaging on any antibiotics or ointments in the kit.
• Replace any supplies in your kit that looks like it has been used up.

It is impossible to predict an emergency, but it is possible to be prepared. By having the proper emergency procedures in place as well as the necessary equipment and supplies, schools can ensure the safety of their staff and students if an emergency occurs.

Looking for more emergency preparedness products? See our full assortment here.

Important Links 

https://everytownresearch.org/maps/gunfire-on-school-grounds/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2887168/

https://everytownresearch.org/report/the-impact-of-gun-violence-on-children-and-teens/

https://www.heart.org/en/news/2018/11/09/defibrillators-may-help-kids-survive-cardiac-arrest

https://www.nasn.org/advocacy/professional-practice-documents/position-statements/ps-naloxone

https://www.nfpa.org/News-and-Research/Data-research-and-tools/Building-and-Life-Safety/Structure-fires-in-schools

https://blog.nationwide.com/school-fire-safety-checklist/

https://www.mayoclinic.org/first-aid/first-aid-kits/basics/art-20056673

https://www.weather.gov/grb/schools