Emergency & Serious Incident

Emergencies are never wanted, but they are a possibility, and so we at Saplings ensure that all staff are familiar with appropriate emergency procedures. Most emergencies can be resolved on-the-spot by the leader removing the group from potential threat and providing first aid. However, in the event of a serious incident, which could arise as a result of an injury, illness or threat, emergency services are contacted and the following procedures are followed:

1. Safety of the whole group from further danger is secured. All work/activities is stopped if safe. The group is called in and located promptly as agreed with the group in advance. If possible, the whole group is removed from any further danger or threat of danger. When safe to do so and ASAP, an alert is sent to all staff so all-hands available can come support. 

2. Those in need of first aid are tended to by one teacher while another tends to the group with regard for maintenance of required supervision ratios for the rest of the group. A record of changes in state and anything administered to those being treated is documented. 

3. Emergency services are contacted as necessary. Charged mobile phones are carried by all staff. A designated driver is dispatched to meet an emergency vehicle at the entrance where possible/necessary. 

4. Safety of the rest of the group is maintained by the remaining staff and adults away from the scene of the incident.

5. Informing contacts is carried out as soon as practicable after the incident by the director or leader. 

6. Incident report and/or first aid book are filled in on site if possible and then logged back at the Saplings schoolhouse. Report forms are stored in first aid kits in emergency backpacks and are filled in whenever the emergency plan is used even if no one was harmed and it was a near miss.