Overview

The District is committed to maintaining safe learning environments and minimizing the risk of injury to students. While injury prevention always remains a priority, accidents may occur. When an accident occurs, staff are expected to respond promptly and calmly, in accordance with this procedure, exercising care and reasonable judgment in the best interest of the student.

Wherever possible, personnel with first aid training should assess the student to determine the nature and extent of the injury. If no such person is available, the staff member will use reasonable judgement to determine the most appropriate course of action for the student.

The District recognizes that some students may communicate, process, or respond to injuries differently due to neurodiversity, trauma experiences, medical conditions, sensory sensitivities, or other individual factors. When responding to an accident, staff should apply the student’s known communication strategies, sensory needs, and regulatory supports as outlined in their Individual Educational Plan, Behaviour Plan, Safety Plan, medical plan, or other relevant documentation, while adhering to all procedures below. This guidance applies throughout the entire procedure.

Definitions

Accident:

An unplanned event resulting in injury or harm to a student while under the care or supervision of the school, on school grounds, or during a school-sponsored activity.

Serious Injury:
An injury that includes, but is not limited to:

• Anaphylaxis or severe allergic reaction
• Any injury requiring emergency medical assessment or transport by ambulance
• Breathing or airway distress
• Burns
• Loss of consciousness (even briefly)
• Seizure activity
• Severe bleeding
• Severe pain or rapidly worsening symptoms
• Signs of shock
• Student unable to participate in care, mobilize safely, and/or communicate needs
• Suspected fracture or dislocation
• Suspected head, neck, or spinal injury

Procedures

1. Emergency/Serious Injuries and Illnesses

1. Summon a staff member with first aid training, where available.
2. If a staff member with first aid training is not immediately available, the staff member shall use reasonable judgement to aid.
3. Ensure the scene is safe for the injured student and others.
4. Do not move the student, except where necessary to avoid further danger.
5. Call 911 immediately.
6. Make the student as comfortable as possible and ensure they are not left unattended.
7. Consider and apply communication and support adaptations responsive to the student’s individual needs, as appropriate.
8. Notify administration as soon as practicable.
9. Where possible, direct another staff member to meet emergency responders and guide them to the location.

2. Non-emergency Illnesses or Injuries (do not require immediate emergency medical services)

1. Provide first aid within the scope of staff training or reasonable judgement.
2. Ask the student and/or review available medical information regarding allergies or medical alerts.
3. Apply the student-specific communication and support considerations, where appropriate.
4. If symptoms worsen, or if there is uncertainty regarding the seriousness of the illness/injury, err on theside of caution and treat as serious.

3. Minor or Superficial Injuries

1. Provide care and comfort as necessary.
2. Apply the student-specific communication and support considerations, where appropriate.

4. Suspected Head Injuries/Concussion

Suspected head injuries shall be managed in accordance with the District’s Concussion Management Protocol.

The Concussion Awareness Training Tool is provided as a supporting resource for staff training and awareness: https://westvancouverschools.ca/resources/staff/concussion-awareness-training-tool/

5. Transportation for Medical Care

1. Ambulance transport is the preferred mode of transportation when a student requires medical assessment beyond what can be safely provided at school.
2. A staff member shall accompany the student in the ambulance when required.
3. If necessary, and with parent/guardian authorization, the principal may approve transportation to a doctor or hospital. The driver may be reimbursed for travel expenses in accordance with District procedures upon submission of an expense claim. Both driver and vehicle will be fully insured by the District’s insurance policy.
4. When accompanying a student, apply the student-specific communication and support considerations, where appropriate, to reduce distress and support safety during transport and handover.
5. Be aware that some students may be unable to clearly communicate symptoms, pain, or needs; monitor closely and advocate on the student’s behalf during transport and handover to medical personnel.

6. Notification

1. Notify the principal (or designate) immediately of any serious injury.
2. Notify parents/guardians as soon as possible when:
   a. A student sustains a serious injury, or emergency medical services are contacted.
   b. A non-emergency illness or injury may affect a student’s well-being, comfort, ability to participate in learning, or requires monitoring or follow-up.
   c. The principal (or designate) determines notification is appropriate based on the age, needs, or circumstances of the student.
3. Once contact has been made, and unless there are pressing reasons to do otherwise, the parent/guardian shall assume responsibility for decisions regarding further medical assessment or treatment.
4. Where a parent/guardian cannot be reached and the circumstances reasonably warrant further action, the principal (or designate) shall exercise reasonable judgment in determining what is in the best interest of the student and may take appropriate action, including contacting emergency services or arranging transport to a hospital or medical professional.
5. Apply the student-specific communication and support considerations, where appropriate, when determining the timing and nature of notification.

7. Documentation

1. For all serious injuries, and for non-emergency injuries or illnesses that may reasonably result in ongoing symptoms, require follow-up care, or have potential longer-term impacts, the SPP Incident Report Form shall be completed online by the school personnel with the greatest knowledge of the incident.
2. Complete documentation as soon as practicable, and preferably on the same day as the incident.
3. Maintain a school-based incident log to document incidents involving students that do not meet the threshold for an SPP Incident Report, where documentation is appropriate to support monitoring, follow-up, or pattern awareness.
4. Entry in the school-based incident log does not replace the requirement to complete an SPP Incident Report when an incident meets the District’s formal reporting threshold.
5. In addition, where applicable, documentation should include:
   a. When and how parents/guardians were notified, and information shared regarding the student’s condition, recommended follow-up, or next steps.
   b. Any communication considerations and supports relevant to the response (e.g., as outlined in an IEP, medical plan, Behaviour Plan, Safety Plan, or other documentation).
   c. Any follow-up actions, monitoring plans, or instructions communicated to parents/guardians.
   d. If attempts to contact parents/guardians are unsuccessful, the attempts made, and any actions taken in the best interest of the student.

8. Review and Awareness

1. Principals shall ensure that staff are familiar with this procedure and that accident response expectations are reviewed annually, including how the procedure applies to students with diverse communication, sensory, medical, or regulatory needs.
2. This procedure applies to accidents occurring:
   a. On school property.
   b. During school-sponsored activities, including field trips.
   c. During instructional time, including off-site activities.

May 2026