school cardiac emergency response plan template

Cardiac Emergency Response Protocol for Educational Facilities

Document Control

• Document ID: [__________]
• Version: 1.0
• Effective Date: [__________]
• Review Cycle: Annual

1. Purpose & Scope

This document defines the standardized response framework for cardiac-related medical emergencies within [School Name]. The objective is to minimize time-to-defibrillation and ensure seamless coordination between onsite staff and emergency medical services (EMS). This policy applies to all faculty, administrative staff, coaches, and volunteers operating on [School Name] premises.

2. Prerequisites

• Equipment: Automated External Defibrillator (AED) units (maintained and inspected monthly).
• Communication: Dedicated two-way radios or school-wide PA system access.
• Access: Master keys or key-card access for all facility zones, including athletic fields.
• Training: Current CPR/AED certification for all designated response team members.
• Documentation: Up-to-date Emergency Contact Database for students and staff.

3. Roles & Responsibilities (RACI)

4. Step-by-Step Procedure

Phase 1: Recognition and Activation

• Recognize signs of sudden cardiac arrest (unresponsiveness, absent/abnormal breathing).
• Direct a specific bystander to call 911 immediately: "You, in the [__________] shirt, call 911 and report a cardiac emergency at [School Name], [Exact Location/Room Number]."
• Instruct the bystander to return and confirm that EMS has been dispatched.
• Activate the school-wide emergency code: "[__________]" via [PA System/Radio].

Phase 2: Immediate Intervention

• Dispatch the nearest staff member to retrieve the AED from [Location of AED].
• Begin high-quality chest compressions at a rate of 100–120 beats per minute.
• Ensure the patient is placed on a firm, flat surface.
• Apply the AED pads immediately upon arrival of the device and follow voice prompts.

Phase 3: Site Coordination

• Assign a staff member to meet EMS at [Designated Entrance/Gate].
• Clear the area of students and unauthorized personnel to maintain privacy and access.
• Locate the student/staff medical file to provide [Medical History/Allergies] to EMS upon arrival.

Phase 4: Post-Event Debrief

• Document the incident in the [Incident Report Form] within 24 hours.
• Replace used AED pads and battery components.
• Conduct a Critical Incident Stress Debrief (CISD) for involved staff members.

5. Quality Assurance & Pro-Tips

• QA: Conduct unannounced "AED Drills" once per semester to verify response times.
• Pro-Tip: Ensure AED cabinets are not locked and are clearly marked with universal signage.
• Common Pitfall: Failing to designate a specific person to meet EMS; this often results in paramedics wasting critical minutes searching for the patient within a large campus.

6. FAQs

Q: How often should we test the AEDs? A: Perform a visual inspection of the AED status indicator daily; verify battery and pad expiration dates monthly.

Q: Should we attempt CPR if we are not certified? A: Yes. Modern AEDs provide voice prompts that guide untrained rescuers. Bystander CPR significantly increases survival rates even if performed by an untrained individual.

Q: Who is responsible for updating the emergency contact list? A: The [Administrative Assistant/Registrar] is responsible for ensuring the digital and physical emergency contact database is updated at the start of each semester.