Prevention, Recognition and Treatment of Common Recess Injuries

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: ○ State name, address and phone number ○ Describe nature of emergency, number of children involved, and their condition ○ Describe first-aid treatment given ○ Provide specific on-site directions (e.g., field north of building)

• Venue Address and Map

• List the school address and provide maps with pertinent information.

•	List the address of your school
•	Provide a location map: ○ Indicate map orientation (north, east, west and south) ○ Determine the best route for EMS ○ Update road closings and construction
•	Provide a school map: ○ Indicate map orientation (north, east, west and south) ○ Label various buildings and outdoor spaces ○ Identify locked gates or doors that require keys

• 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.