The First Aid Policy at Sunningdale School is in operation to ensure that every pupil, member of staff and visitor will be well looked after in the event of an accident, no matter how minor or major.

It is emphasised that the team consists of qualified First Aiders and not trained doctors or nurses.

In the event of an accident all members of the school community should be aware of the support available and the procedures available to activate this. If there is any doubt at all as to the seriousness of an accident / injury an ambulance must be called to attend using 999 or 112 (from a mobile)

The purpose of the policy is therefore:

To provide effective, safe First Aid cover for pupils, staff and visitors.
To ensure that all staff and students are aware of the system in place.
To provide awareness of Health & Safety issues within the school and on school trips, to prevent, where possible, potential dangers or accidents.

NB The term First Aider refers to those members of the school who are in possession of a valid First Aid at work certificate or equivalent.

Role of the First Aider

Ensure that their qualification and insurance (provided by the school) are always up-to-date.
Ensure that first aid cover is available throughout the working hours of the school week.
Always attend a casualty when requested to do so and treat the casualty to the best of their ability in the safest way possible. This includes wearing gloves where any loss of blood or body fluid is evident, calling for help from other First Aiders or Emergency Services.
Help fellow First Aiders at an incident and provide support during the aftermath.
Act as a person who can be relied upon to help when the need arises.
Ensure that their portable first aid kits are adequately stocked and always to hand.
First aid kits are located:

In all four minibuses and the Headmasters car

In both pavilions, Sports Hall and Swimming Pool

In both the outside and the inside Classrooms areas, DT, Science and Art Rooms

In the staff room, Kitchen and Front office

In the medical dispensary

Insist that any casualty who has sustained a significant head injury is seen by professionals at the hospital, either by sending them directly to hospital or by asking parents to pick up a child to take them to hospital; ensure that parents are aware of all head injuries promptly. Ensure that a child who is sent to hospital by ambulance is either:

Accompanied in the Ambulance at the request of paramedics.
Followed to a hospital by a member of staff to act in loco parentis if a relative cannot be contacted.
Met at hospital by a relative

The first aider need not be the member of staff to accompany the casualty to hospital, however an appropriate person should be sent.
Liaison must occur with the teacher in charge of cover, to ensure that lessons are covered in the event of an absent teacher.
Keep a record of each student attended to, the nature of the injury and any treatment given, in the book provided in the matrons' office.
In the case of an accident, the ACCIDENT BOOK must be completed by the appropriate person, in almost all cases, the matron (Miss S. Turnbull) will be responsible for the recording of any incident / injury / accident. If death occurs or work related injury, a RIDDOR report must be submitted
Ensure that everything is cleared away, using gloves, and every dressing etc. be put in a yellow bag for contaminated / used items and sealed tightly before disposing of the bag in a bin. Any bloodstains in the ground must be washed away thoroughly. No contaminated or used items should be left lying around.
In the event of the spillage of any bodily fluids, gloves must be used to deal with the situation. Gloves are available in first aid kits and in the dispensary.

Role of the Headmaster

Provide adequate first aid cover as outlined in the Health and Safety (First Aid) regulations 1981.
Monitor and respond to all matters relating to Health and Safety of all persons on school premises and ensure all staff are made aware of first aid procedures in school.
The Headmaster, Deputy Head and Matron of the school will:
Ensure that they always obtain the history relating to a boy not feeling well, particularly in the cases of headaches, to ensure that no injury has caused the student to feel unwell.
Ensure that in the event that an injury has caused a problem, the boys must be referred to a first aider for examination.
At the start of each academic year, provide the first aid team with a list of students who are known to be asthmatic, anaphylactic, diabetic epileptic or have any other serious illness.
Have a file of up to date medical consent forms for every student in each year and ensure that these are readily available for staff responsible for school trips or any other outings.

Role of the Teacher

Familiarise themselves with the first aid procedures in operation and ensure that they know who the current first aiders are. Please see below.
Be aware of specific medical details of individual students when published by the Headmaster / Matron. Details of those boys at specific risk, such as boys who are at risk from anaphylactic shock are posted in the staff room. Alongside this are details of what to do in the case of anaphylaxis and instructions in the use of Epipens. The Head Matron has trainer epipens for staff to practice on.
Ensure that their pupils are aware of the procedures and operations.
Never move a casualty until they have been assessed by a qualified first aider unless the casualty is in immediate danger.
Send for help to the member of staff on duty / matron as soon as possible either by a person or telephone, ensuring that the messenger knows the precise location of the casualty. Where possible, confirmation that the message has been received must be obtained.
Reassure, but never treat, a casualty unless staff are in possession of a valid emergency aid in school certificate or know the correct procedures; such staff can obviously start emergency aid until a first aider arrives at the scene or instigate simple airway measures if clearly needed.
Send a pupil who has minor injuries to matron if they are able to walk. This pupil should be accompanied.
Ensure that they have a current medical consent form for every child that they take out on a school trip which indicates any specific conditions or medications of which they should be aware.
Familiarise themselves with the Covid-19 procedure in school and where to access and use PPE

Role of Support Staff

Support the first aiders in calling for an ambulance or contacting relatives in an emergency.
Send students who simply don't feel well to Matron.
NOT administer paracetamol or other medications.
Familiarise themselves with the Covid-19 procedure in school and where to access and use PPE

First Aid Practitioners

There are qualified matrons who are on duty throughout the day and night who take responsibility for the provision of First Aid.
The bursar holds a list of all staff who are first aid trained, including pediatric first aid.

Administration of First Aid

Minor Accidents, Injuries or illness-
A first aider should attend to a minor incident.
First aiders should only provide first aid treatment for which they have been trained and are competent.
The first aider should use the nearest first aid box to the accident.
Gloves should be used if dealing with an open wound.
Open wounds should be cleaned using alcohol free wipes before applying a dressing.
Burns should be treated by encouraging the individual to put the burnt area under running water for 10 minutes.

More Serious accidents or injury

In the event of a serious accident or injury to a pupil, staff or visitor the injured person is

obviously the first priority.

The injured individual should not be left unattended.
An ambulance should be called if deemed necessary, Annex 4 details the correct procedure.
The type of injury that may require transportation by Ambulance are: -

Serious Head or neck injury

Suspected leg fracture

Loss of consciousness or fitting

Severe bleeding injury

Severe asthma attack

Severe hypoglycemia for a diabetic

Difficulty breathing

Suspected Heart attack or stroke

If the patient is generally very unwell

Anaphylaxis where an epipen is used

If in any doubt call an ambulance on 999 for advice.
A member of Senior Leadership Team should be informed as soon as is practically possible
and every effort made to contact parents.
If non-emergency transport is sufficient a taxi could be used, a member of staff should accompany a child until parents arrive.

Location of First Aid Facilities on the Grounds

FIRST AID

FIRST AID KITS ARE LOCATED IN THE FOLLOWING AREAS

Staff room

Art room

Outside classrooms (Cupboard in Lobby)

Upstairs classrooms (Mr Devines classroom)

Science Lab

DT room

All Pavilions

Sports hall

Swimming pool

All school Vehicles

Kitchen

Dispensary

EXTRA EPI PENS ARE KEPT IN THE KITCHEN AND MATRONS DISPENSARY ALL CHILDREN WITH EPI PENS SHOULD CARRY THEM AT ALL TIMES.

All first aid kits should be checked once a month and restocked/updated as necessary.

THERE IS A DEFIBRILLATOR SITUATED IN THE LOWER PAVILION

Recording of medication and injuries

There is a Medication dispensed folder kept in the dispensary for the purpose of recording all those children and adults who come in needing medication to be dispensed. Each pupil has their own individual sheet onto which the date is recorded, the time the person was seen, what was wrong and what was given or done written down and signed. When any medication is given out, the name of what is given will be written down and if there is a specific amount given out that will be recorded as well. If any child sees the doctor, has any vaccinations, goes to hospital or to see a physio then this too will be recorded on their individual welfare form. If in the event of an accident occurring that requires more qualified medical attention, then an accident report will be filled in and then handed to the Headmaster to be signed. Once the form has been signed off, if it involves one of the children then it will be photocopied and put with their file for reference, the original form will be placed in the accident file.

In the event of a serious accident happening then a RIDDOR form will be filled out (this can be done online). In the case of; (a) death; (b) major injuries; (c) an accident causing injury to pupils, members of the public or other people not at work; (d) a specified dangerous occurrence, where something has happened which did not result in an injury but could have done a report must be made to the Health and Safety Executive (0845 300 99 23)

In the event of an accident around school, or on the games pitches, if the member of staff in charge is in any doubt of the condition of a child, he should call an ambulance.

Dispensing Medication

Link to the RCN Administering Medicine Guidance

The Head Matron & Senior Matrons are responsible for the dispensing of medications and administering of first aid with the Senior House Matrons acting as deputy in the case that Head Matron is off duty or unavailable.

Only the Head Matron and Senior Matrons hold the keys to the medicine cupboard and by having only three main providers of medicine there should be little chance of giving out too much in the way of medicine and also less chance of someone being overlooked when they have an illness.

When dispensing any medicines from the medicine cupboard only give out the correct dosage as the instructions on the bottle/packet/tube etc state, if however the child is almost adult size then give out the adult dose, if in any doubt give out the children’s dose. Before you give out anything, always check what they have already had that day, as if they may have already had something earlier and not told you and if they are allergic to anything, there is a list in the cupboard of known allergies.

All medication given out must be recorded stating how much was dispensed, to whom and time it was given; this must then be signed with initials. For liquid medicines use the small plastic medicine spoons, once used these are then sterilised. To give out creams please apply using a cotton bud to prevent cross contamination. If however there is a large area for cream to be applied then there are gloves in the cupboard where the plasters are kept, this is to protect you from the effects of the cream as much as to prevent infection spreading.

NEVER give out named medication to anyone other than the person it is labeled for.

Parents are responsible for providing the school matrons with comprehensive information regarding the pupil’s condition and medication.

Prescribed medication will not be accepted in school without complete written and signed instructions from the parent.

Each item of medication must be delivered to the matrond by a parent, in a secure

and labeled container as originally dispensed. Each item of medication must be clearly

labeled with the following information:

Pupils Name
Name of medication
Dosage
Frequency of administration
Date of dispensing
Storage requirements (if important)
Expiry date

The school will not accept items of medication in unlabeled containers.

Parental Consent for Prescribed Medication

Controlled Drugs Risk Assessment

Minor Injuries

Any boy coming to the Matron team in need of first aid having received a minor injury will be treated and an email will be sent immediately after to boarding@sunningdaleschool.org.uk to alert the rest of the team that that child had been seen, the nature of the injury and the treatment given.

It is the responsibility of the Senior Matron (overseen by the Head Matron) to:

make sure that all stock in the medical cupboard, both ‘over the counter’ medicines and the children’s own personal medications are in date.
That the cupboard is stocked with only the appropriate medicines and any dressings (such as plasters/bandages etc.).
Keeping the cupboards clean and tidy, making sure that the first aid boxes around the school are checked regularly and for keeping all the medical records up to date.

Dr’s visit to school

Dr Hamid the school doctor visits the school twice a week on Tuesday and Friday. If there are no boys requiring his attention then the Matron team will inform the surgery on a visit by visit basis.

Concussion

Concussion is a brain injury caused by either direct or indirect forces to the head that typically results in short -lived impairment of brain function.

Possible signs and symptoms of concussion

Visible clues of potential concussion - what you see

Any one or more of the following visual clues can indicate a possible concussion:

• Dazed, blank or vacant look

• Lying motionless on ground / Slow to get up

• Unsteady on feet / Balance problems or falling over / Inco-ordination

• Loss of consciousness or responsiveness

• Confused / Not aware of plays or events

• Grabbing / Clutching of head

• Convulsion

• More emotional / Irritable

Symptoms of potential concussion - what you are told

Presence of any one or more of the following signs and symptoms may suggest a

concussion:

• Headache

• Dizziness

• Mental clouding, confusion, or feeling slowed down

• Visual problems

• Nausea or vomiting

• Fatigue

• Drowsiness / Feeling like “in a fog“/ difficulty concentrating

• “Pressure in head”

• Sensitivity to light or noise

Any child with suspected concussion should be referred to A&E for further investigation and

monitoring. If playing sport, the Concussion should be recognized and the player removed

from play immediately. Return to sport following concussion must be handled very carefully

as the individual is more susceptible to dangerous neurological complications, including

death caused by second impact syndrome. A Graduated Return To Play should be used.

Common Ailments

Temperature:

There are 'in the ear thermometers in the medicine cupboard. A normal temperature is around 37 C, (however this varies from person to person but normally the temperature is at its lowest point first thing in the morning) if they do have a temperature then give Calpol/Paracetamol, dosage according to instructions on the packet/bottle and repeat the process every four hours, taking the temperature beforehand. Encourage them to have liquids as this will also help to bring the temperature down. The thermometers MUST BE used with a plastic probe cover for hygiene purposes which is disposed of after each use.

Sore throats:

If it is a bad sore throat then give paracetamol (either liquid or tablets) and some throat lozenges. Hot honey and lemon is good as a soother too. If it is a mild sore throat then treat with just honey and lemon and some lozenges. If they come to you in the morning complaining of a sore throat then always tell them to come back for something after breakfast as sometimes the sore throat ‘disappears’ after breakfast. Honey and Lemon syrup or Benylin syrup can be used.

Coughs:

Give some Benilyn either chesty or tickly cough syrup. Between 5 and 10 mls depending on the age of the boy, steam inhalation and hot drinks (hot honey and lemon)

Colds:

Paracetamol and vicks/olbas oil (on a pillow) this helps them at night as well as during the day.

Earache:

Give some pain relief. If they still have pain after a couple of day they will need to see a doctor.

Toothache/braces:

Pain relief such as Nurofen or Ibuprofen. Anbesol or Bonjela gel helps also to numb the area.

Headaches:

Ask what they have had to drink so far that day as sometimes they will not have had enough and be dehydrated. If you think that this is the case then ask them to go and have something to drink and to come back in at least an hour if their headache is still there. If however they have had plenty to drink or have come back again give Paracetamol (liquid or tablets)

Migraines:

Give Ibuprofen/Nurofen, if however they are being sick give Paracetamol instead. Let them lie down in a dark room. Never give them Ibuprofen if they are Asthmatic

Stomach ache:

Ask when they last passed a stool, as they could be constipated, if they haven’t gone in the last week then you need to give them a big dose of Milk of Magnesia. If it has only been a couple of days then encourage fluids, fruit, fibre and exercise should help get things moving again. If they are feeling sick give them 5-10 mls of Milk of Magnesia (depending on age), this will either settle things down or bring them up. Either way they will feel better!

Heartburn:

Give some Milk of magnesia, between 5-10 mls (depending on age)

Bruises:

Do the usual ice and elevation. Then apply some arnica cream and maybe give some Ibuprofen if it is really painful. (However if they are Asthmatic then DO NOT give Ibuprofen)

Stiff/sore muscles:

Deep Heat rub, a small amount, is usually enough, occasionally it may be necessary to give some pain relief and Ibuprofen is probably the best thing. If they have stiff muscles from exercise however tell them that the best thing for it is EXERCISE.

Rashes:

Apply E45 cream, if you suspect it is an allergic reaction then put a thin layer of Hydrocortisone cream on or if widespread a dose of oral antihistamine can be useful.

If any of the above symptoms persist for more than 48 hours then the person involved will need to see a doctor.

Insect bites:

Apply antihistamine cream, thinly.

Cuts and grazes:

Clean the wound with either clean water or the cleansing wipes, in necessary apply some savlon or other antiseptic cream and cover with a plaster, this will need to be changed daily. If the cut starts to look like it is becoming infected then it may need to be seen by a nurse or doctor

Medicines and what they are to be used for

Ibuprofen:

A good pain relief medication especially useful for joint pain and toothache. Tablets give one/two tablets depending on the size and age of the child. The liquid Ibuprofen give out between 5/10 mls again depending on the size/age of the child. Not more than every four hours

Do not give to the same child for more than 48 hours without consulting a doctor.

N.B. DO NOT give out Ibuprofen to any asthmatics or to anyone who has a stomach upset/complaint.

Paracetamol:

A good general pain relief medication. Again give according to the age/size of the child, most of the boys can have 10mls. Read the box/packet if unsure what dose to give, if in any doubt give the child’s dosage. Do not give to the same child for more than 48 hours without consulting a doctor. Not more than every four hours.

Children's Chesty/tickly Benylin:

To be given out only to those boys who have a persistent cough, if in any doubt consult the doctor

Simple Linctus:

Given out for mild coughs between 5/10mls not more than 4 times a day.

Milk of Magnesia:

For upset stomachs and general stomach ache. Can also be given as a laxative. Give between 5/10mls depending on size of child.

Magnesium Sulphate:

Used for drawing out splinters, if they are embedded. Can also be used for in-growing toe nails and infected fingernail beds. (Unless you have been shown what to do with Magnesium Sulphate then leave this for the Head Matron to use). Boys with in-growing toe nails should see Dr Hamid.

Piriton Liquid and Tablets (Loratadine or Cetirizine):

Antihistamine, give for allergic reactions. Give 2 a day unless directed by the doctor. Piriton/cetirizine can make them sleepy

Honey and Lemon:

Given for sore throats and coughs.

Anbesol gel:

Used for mouth ulcers and also good if braces are hurting as it numbs the gum.

Throat Lozenge :

Given out for sore throats, not to be handed out like sweets or to be handed out at night as there is always a risk of choking.

Deep Heat:

For stiff/sore muscles. Should only be applied by a matron.

Aqueous cream:

To be used for very dry skin/rashes - particulary common in Michaelmas and Lent Term.

Arnica Cream:

To be used for bruises to the skin Do Not use on broken skin.

Sudocrem:

To be used for small grazes, spots, sore skin and rashes.

Hydrocortisone cream:

for skin inflammation, insect bites, skin irritations and itching.

Disposal of medication.

Any out of date medications, partly used medications that are no longer required and any medications that have been left behind by former pupils will be taken to Blackburn Pharmacy for disposal. If it is ever necessary for the matrons to give out any medications that need to be injected, only after we have been given training to do so and the School Doctor is happy for us to do so, a sharps box will be kept for the express purpose of the disposal of used needles. At this present time there is no need for the department to have a sharps box on site as only the doctor from Kings Corner Surgery gives injections to the boys and staff when required.

Disposal of human waste material

This is to include all bloodied dressings, urine, faecal waste and vomit. There are yellow bags in the dispensary for the disposal of human waste material. There is a verbal agreement in place with Kings Corner Surgery for us to take down our yellow bags to put in their human waste bin at the surgery.

The execution of this policy will be monitored by both the first aid team, the Head Matron,the Head of Boarding, the Deputy Head and the Headmaster.

Care of an unwell Child

Any child who is seen to be unwell during the school day and temporarily unable to continue

with lessons may rest in the sick bay situated in the boarding house, should their condition not

Improve, if possible parents should be contacted and the child should be collected. If not the child will stay in sick bay under the supervision of the matrons.

In order to avoid the spread of contagious conditions any Child with diarrhea and/or

vomiting should not stay in school and should be absent up until 48 hours post their last

episode of illness. If this is not possible the child will be in isolation in sickbay under the supervision of the matrons.

Children’s Medical Conditions

All pupils are required to have a medical questionnaire completed by parents informing the

school of any medical issues, allergies or concerns. This also serves as consent for medical

treatment in an emergency, for some forms of pain relief and for the administration of

antihistamine if required. Parents will sign a form for perscription medication.

It is important that Parents of Children with long-term specific medical needs make the School aware of their individual needs so that reasonable adjustments can be made to the learning environment.

Pupils with specific health requirements will have an individual plan of care as agreed

between the parents and the school Matrons. Parents will be informed immediately of any

concerns. Lists of Allergies, and medical conditions are displayed in the dispensary, staff room and kitchens.

Throughout this policy the term “Epipen” is used to refer to all Adrenaline Auto Injector

devices. All staff will be aware of those pupils with severe allergies requiring epipens.

Epipens will be taken with those children on any trip out of school. All staff will be trained in the use and administration of an epipen. In the event of administering an epipen, an ambulance will be called immediately to take the child to hospital. Parents will be contacted as soon as possible. Children with epipens should carry them at all times.

Pupils using Crutches: Where an injury has caused a temporary decrease in the level of mobility, a child may attend School on crutches. Reasonable adjustments should be made to ensure that during this time the child is kept safe and their need for mobility is decreased. This may involve having a buddy to carry books/bags, leaving lessons earlier to avoid congestion in corridors.

Updated ACD 07/01/2023

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