Emergency Management and Monitoring For Students with Special Health Needs Requiring Emergency Planning

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Some learners in the school may have special emergency care needs due to health conditions, physical abilities, or communication challenges. It is essential to include caring for these children’s special needs in emergency and disaster planning. 

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Factors to Consider

Health Conditions that put learners at risk for life-threatening emergencies (non-inclusive list): 

  • Seizures
  • Diabetes
  • Asthma or other breathing difficulties
  • Life-threatening or severe allergic reactions
  • Mental health conditions
  • Technology-dependent or medically fragile conditions
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Emergency Action Plan (EAP)

The school nurse develops individual health plans and emergency action plans for learners who may experience life-threatening emergencies related to their health and makes them available to appropriate staff at all times (non-inclusive list):

  • Diabetes
  • Asthma
  • Anaphylaxis
  • Adrenal Crisis
  • Sickle Cell Crisis
  • Cardiac Event
  • Seizure Disorder
  • Suicidal Ideation

In the event of an emergency, the paraprofessional or unlicensed personnel who is trained or qualified to provide interventions should always refer to the child's emergency action plan. 

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Emergency Evacuation Plan (EEP)

Health conditions, utilization of mobility devices, school environment, communication, and sensory issues may put learners at risk for special evacuation needs (non-inclusive list): 

  • Utilization of mobility devices
  • Temporarily on crutches/walking casts
  • Unable or have difficulty walking up or down stairs
  • Safety risk related to sensory stimulation issues
  • Vision impairments
  • Hearing impairments
  • Processing disorders
  • Limited English proficiency
  • Behavior or developmental disorders
  • Emotional or brain health issues

The school nurse develops individualized health plans (IHPs), and either the school nurse or a member of the education team develops the emergency evacuation plan as a component of the IHPs for students who may need assistance with emergency evacuation related to their health. The plans are made available to the appropriate staff at all times.

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Emergency Management and Monitoring 

Learners with ongoing health needs may require assistance from a paraprofessional who is delegated the responsibility to monitor and execute the emergency plans that include interventions provided by the school nurse, mental health provider and/or the child’s healthcare provider.

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Safety Monitoring 

Safety Monitoring is defined as: Monitoring for self-injurious actions or injury, risk for elopement, related to impaired safety awareness and compromise in the school program environment that is predictable and supported by medical or educational plan or program documentation.

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