Emergency Care Plans SOP

Purpose

To ensure the health and safety of all children by maintaining, transporting, and implementing emergency care plans for medical conditions and allergies while children are in the care of the program, including during transportation and off-site activities.

Scope

This SOP applies to all childcare personnel responsible for supervising children on-site, during transportation, and on field trips or walking excursions.

Responsibility

All childcare personnel are responsible for understanding and following this SOP. Designated staff must be trained in medication administration and emergency response as required by licensing regulations.

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Procedure

Step 1: Emergency Medical Consent & Contact Information

1. Childcare personnel must have immediate access to:

   • Emergency medical consent forms

   • Current parent/legal guardian contact information

2. These documents must be carried:

   • During all vehicle transportation

   • During all walking trips or off-site activities

3. Emergency documents must be:

   • Secure

   • Readily accessible to staff

   • Inaccessible to children

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Step 2: Children with Chronic Medical Conditions

1. When transporting or supervising a child with a chronic medical condition (e.g., asthma, diabetes, seizures):

   • The child’s written emergency care plan must be in staff possession.

   • All required medications or medical supplies must accompany the child.

2. Medications and supplies must be:

   • Clearly labeled

   • Stored securely

   • Inaccessible to children

3. A designated staff member must:

   • Be present during transportation or the activity

   • Be trained to recognize symptoms

   • Be trained to respond appropriately to medical emergencies in accordance with medication training requirements

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Step 3: Allergy Emergency Care Plans

Each child with a known allergy must have a written emergency care plan on file that includes:

1. Allergen Identification

   • Specific allergen(s)

   • Clear instructions on how to avoid exposure

2. Treatment Plan

   • Medications prescribed

   • Dosages

   • Method of administration

   • Timing and urgency of treatment

3. Symptom Identification

   • Clear description of symptoms that require medication

   • Indicators for administering one or more medications (e.g., epinephrine)

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Step 4: Prevention & Recognition

1. Prior to caring for the child, childcare personnel must:

   • Review the emergency care plan provided by the parent/legal guardian or physician

2. Staff must implement preventive measures, including:

   • Avoidance of identified allergens

   • Safe food handling practices

   • Environmental controls when applicable

3. Staff must be trained to:

   • Recognize early and severe symptoms of allergic reactions

   • Act immediately according to the child’s care plan

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Step 5: Emergency Response & Parent Notification

1. Childcare personnel must immediately notify parents/legal guardians if:

   • A suspected allergic reaction occurs

   • A child ingests or comes into contact with a known allergen
     (even if no reaction is observed)

2. Emergency Medical Services (911) must be contacted immediately if:

   • Epinephrine is administered for any reason

3. Staff must:

   • Remain with the child until emergency responders arrive

   • Follow all instructions provided by emergency personnel

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Documentation

• Emergency care plans must be kept current and reviewed regularly.

• All incidents involving allergic reactions or emergency medication administration must be documented according to program policy.

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Compliance

Failure to follow this SOP may result in disciplinary action and may place the program out of compliance with licensing and safety regulations.