Procedures

Division schools will be operated in such a manner as to minimize the possibility of accidents or crisis situations. A framework of policies and procedures are in place to promote the development and maintenance of safe, secure school and site environments to promote learning. However, even with such policies and procedures in place events of a critical nature may still occur. A critical incident is a traumatic event outside the realm of normal human experience that is markedly distressing (e.g., sudden death, suicide). It impacts individuals, as well as the educational process itself, because the people in that system experience confusion and disorganization. Should such situations occur, the health and safety of students and employees will be of primary importance. See the system Crisis Response Manual for detailed procedures. The Crisis Response Manual Digest provides a quick reference guide to emergency procedures.

A.   Communication

1.  A Palliser employee on the scene of an emergency or critical incident shall determine the nature of the emergency and respond immediately by notifying emergency services as appropriate.
2. The Office of the Superintendent shall be notified.
3. A key responder will be designated at division office, the school and the accident scene for communications regarding the emergency. That designate will strive to maintain communications through the most effective means available (cell phone, email, phone).
4. The principal shall gather the facts about the incident.
5. Lists of injured students  and all students present will be made. Accurate passenger lists, class lists and route maps will expedite this.
6. A list of all reliable witnesses shall be made.
7. Parents of all injured students will be contacted immediately. Where practical, all parents who believe that their child could have been involved should be contacted as soon as possible. Communications efforts should be extended to all parents and staff, the same day as the incident if at all possible.
8. The Superintendent shall be regularly updated.
9. A Notice of Accident School Liability Policy report shall be filed on the day of the incident, naming all of the students involved and any actions taken. See the Forms Manual, Administration, Accident Report.
10. The principal shall cooperate with the police, fire department and insurance investigators in providing basic factual information. Before permitting students to give statements, parental permission must be obtained. AP 353 Student Investigations outlines the procedures to be followed.
11. Communicating with the Media

11.1     The Superintendent, in consultation with the Board Chair, will serve as the spokesperson for the division with the media and the public in order to keep the message consistent and accurate.
11.2     Only official division news releases or statements may be released to the media.
11.3     Division staff shall not make comments to the media.
11.4     The principal, in consultation with the Superintendent, shall inform the staff about what information should be given to students and parents.

B.   First Aid

The principal or designate shall ensure proper and appropriate care is taken and that first aid is administered if necessary.

1. Send a reliable person for help and have that person report back to him/her when this has been accomplished.
2. Minimize the possibility of further injury by evacuating students to areas of safety.
3. Organize bystanders to assist in traffic control, crowd control and first aid.

C.   The Crisis Response Manual

1. For detailed information about specific types of critical incidents and the threat assessment protocol, refer to the Crisis Response Manual.

Education Act
Crisis Response Manual
Accident Report
Threat Assessment Protocol, AP 317
Student Investigations, AP 353