Abstract
Recess is a key component within comprehensive school physical activity programs. While it is a period during the school day when children may engage in physical activity, it is also a time when many injuries occur. Carefully considering a school's recess framework and enacting proactive strategies may help reduce the likelihood of these injuries. While not all injuries can be prevented, it is important for school staff to be prepared to handle incidents as they occur. The purpose of this article is to present proactive strategies forminimizing recess injuries, tips for recognizing and treating common injuries, and necessary components of a recess emergency action plan.
Notes
Equipment Needed for Care
Describe equipment needed both during and following injuries/emergencies.
• | Identify equipment needed both during and following emergencies | ||||
• | Indicate location of AEDs, first-aid kits and phones (e.g., on person, inside entry way, or in recess equipment shed) | ||||
• | Inventory and restock care equipment | ||||
• | Maintain equipment per manufacturers' recommendations |
Contacting EMS and Local Hospital
List procedures for contacting EMS.
• | Identify school phone-dialing procedures required to call an outside line (e.g., dialing 9) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
• | Call EMS:
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Venue Address and Map
List the school address and provide maps with pertinent information.
• | List the address of your school | ||||||||||||||||||||||
• | Provide a location map:
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• | Provide a school map:
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Roles of Personnel
Describe the various roles that need to be fulfilled both during and following emergencies/injuries, and who will complete them.
• | Establish safety of scene | ||||
• | Tend to the injured child | ||||
• | Call EMS (see above) | ||||
• | Retrieve first-aid kit, AED and/or other care equipment | ||||
• | Prepare student information to be given to EMS upon arrival | ||||
• | Redirect uninvolved children to a safe space away from the incident | ||||
• | Travel with student to the emergency facility | ||||
• | Obtain the address of the hospital to inform parents/guardians | ||||
• | Notify the parents/guardians | ||||
• | Complete required documentation | ||||
• | Clean injury scene in accordance with school biohazard policy |
Documentation Requirements
State and describe documentation procedures.
• | List documents that need to be completed when an injury occurs and its location | ||||
• | Indicate who has access to the injury-related documentation |
Additional information
Notes on contributors
Jenny M. Linker
Jenny M. Linker ([email protected]) is an assistant professor in the Department of Health, Nutrition and Exercise Sciences at North Dakota State University in Fargo, ND.
Shannon L. David
Shannon L. David is an assistant professor in the Department of Health, Nutrition and Exercise Sciences at North Dakota State University in Fargo, ND.