Critical Incident

Definition

A Critical Incident is a situation that causes a strong emotional response that results in behavioural changes and an inability to cope, either immediately or later. Examples can be:

• Sudden death, suicide or murder of a student or staff member

• Witness of sudden death or severe injury, e.g. during school hours or on the way to or from school, including excursions        

• Major vandalism or disaster of school property

Important Information

The Education Services Trauma Team is a specialised unit trained in victim support for all Southland schools. The Principal is responsible for initiating the immediate response. If the Principal is unable to respond, then a Senior Staff Member or the Board Presiding Member is to take responsibility.

Action Summary

 If necessary:-

• Evacuate buildings

• Call 111 (emergency services)

Always:-

• Follow and tick off the Critical Incident Action Plan Checklist (for safety and documentation purposes)

Critical Incident Action Plan Checklist

1. Ensure safety of students and staff. Follow evacuation plan if necessary.

2. Contact emergency services (111) if needed (Ask services for media silence and inform them that the Education Director will take responsibility regarding this) **It is the Police responsibility to inform next of kin regarding death**

3. Media Involvement

   • If the media contact anyone involved in the incident, DO NOT confirm or comment on the incident.

   • Tell them you have “No comment - I suggest you ring the Education Director”, or the police, if appropriate. Then ask police for media silence.

   • Refer ALL media calls to the School Board Presiding Member

4. Contact the School Board Presiding Member (Ph. 027 346 992)

   • So as to:

     • • inform them of incident (state if family concerned has been informed)

       • deal with the media

       • involve insurers if necessary

       • decide if Specialist Education Trauma Team needs to be activated

5. Contact Specialist Education Trauma Team if necessary (Ph. 218 2442)

6. Document all actions on the Action Plan Checklist including names of persons spoken to, dates etc.

   • Copies are to be:

     • • kept in the locked Principal’s filing cabinet,

       • sent to the Education Director,

       • sent to the Presiding Member.