Policy 5141.1 - Accidents

Accidents

Although the district makes every reasonable effort to prevent student accidents and injuries, accidents, occur. The Superintendent or designee shall develop procedures to ensure that first aid and/or medical attention is provided as quickly as possible and that parents/guardians are notified of accidents.

Universal precautions shall be observed whenever it is possible that students, employees or others may have contact with blood or body fluids as a result of the accident.

Mouthpieces, resuscitation bags or other ventilation devices shall be available at each school and during athletic competitions in the event that resuscitation is necessary.

District staff shall appropriately report and document student accidents.

Rule 5141.1

Universal Precautions

When handling the discharges from another person’s body, always use these precautions. Use of Universal Precautions removes the need to know which persons are infected with which germs in the school setting.

• Handwashing: Facilities should include soap, preferably in liquid or powdered form, from a dispenser. (Bar soap, with multiple use, becomes contaminated.) Handwashing should be done before rendering first aid and after caring for students. Hands are to be washed after removing gloves. 
• Latex Gloves: Are to be worn by staff members who administer first aid involving blood, open wounds, or handling of body fluids. Latex gloves should be standard components of first aid supplies. They should be readily accessible to school health offices, cafeterias, and athletic training rooms. The use of gloves does not eliminate the need for handwashing. 
• Trash Disposal: Disposal of trash containing blood or any body spills that may contain blood should be double bagged. In cases of large quantities of blood, red bags are available for appropriate use. If needles, syringes, or lancets are used in the school setting, these contaminated sharps should be placed in a puncture proof container. Do not bend or break needles. Do not recap needles.
• CPR: Devices that prevent backflow of fluids from the mouth of a victim being given CPR should be readily accessible to those persons CPR certified and most likely to be the rescuers in the school setting. These devices are stocked in the district warehouse.
• Household Bleach: Household bleach, mixed with water in a 1:10 to 1:100 solution, has been found to be a very effective disinfectant/anti-viral agent. Bleach is available through the district warehouse. Solution can be mixed weekly.
• Commercial Disinfectants: Commercial disinfectants are also effective and can be ordered through the district warehouse.
• The District provides staff development in Universal Precautions in first aid and CPR. Staff are encouraged to participate.