To provide clear, step-by-step procedures for responding to medical emergencies in a childcare setting to ensure the immediate safety, care, and well-being of children until professional medical assistance arrives.

Scope

This SOP applies to all childcare staff, including administrators, teachers, aides, and support personnel.

Responsibility

  • All staff are responsible for responding immediately to medical emergencies.

  • The lead teacher or designated staff member maintains supervision of other children.

  • The Director or designee ensures parents/guardians are notified and documentation is completed.

General Emergency Response Protocol

Step 1: Stay Calm and Ensure Scene Safety

  • Remain calm and assess the environment.

  • Ensure the area is safe for both the child and staff before providing assistance.

  • Do not move the child unless necessary for safety.

Step 2: Assess the Child

  • Check for responsiveness by gently tapping and speaking to the child.

  • If the child is unresponsive, immediately call 911 or direct another staff member to do so.

  • Assign one staff member to stay with the child at all times.

Step 3: Activate Emergency Services

  • Call 911 immediately for any life-threatening situation.

  • Provide:

    • Exact location

    • Child’s age

    • Nature of the emergency

    • Actions already taken

Airway, Breathing, and Circulation (ABCs)

Airway

  • Check the mouth for visible obstructions.

  • Remove visible objects only if easily accessible—do not sweep blindly.

Breathing

  • Check for normal breathing.

  • If the child is not breathing, begin CPR immediately.

Circulation

  • Check for a pulse.

  • If no pulse is present, begin chest compressions and rescue breaths per CPR training.

Only staff with current CPR/First Aid certification may perform CPR.

Specific Emergency Procedures

Choking

  • Conscious child:

    • Encourage coughing.

    • If ineffective, perform age-appropriate abdominal thrusts.

  • Unconscious child:

    • Call 911.

    • Begin CPR and check mouth for visible obstructions between breaths.

Bleeding

  • Apply firm, direct pressure with a clean cloth or sterile dressing.

  • Elevate the injured area if appropriate.

  • Continue pressure until bleeding stops or emergency responders arrive.

Seizures

  • Do not restrain the child.

  • Clear surrounding objects to prevent injury.

  • After seizure ends, place the child on their side.

  • Do not place anything in the child’s mouth.

  • Call 911 if:

    • Seizure lasts longer than 5 minutes

    • Child has difficulty breathing

    • It is the child’s first known seizure

Burns

  • Cool the burn with cool running water for at least 10 minutes.

  • Do not apply creams, ice, or ointments.

  • Cover with a sterile, non-stick dressing.

  • Call emergency services for severe burns.

Allergic Reactions

  • If prescribed, administer an epinephrine auto-injector immediately.

  • Call 911 after administration.

  • Monitor breathing and stay with the child until help arrives.

Poisoning

  • Call Poison Control immediately.

  • Do not induce vomiting unless instructed.

  • If unconscious, call 911 and begin CPR if needed.

  • Secure the substance involved for responders.

Fractures and Serious Injuries

  • Keep the child still and calm.

  • Immobilize the injured area if trained to do so.

  • Do not attempt to realign bones.

  • Call 911.

Child Supervision During Emergencies

  • Maintain supervision of all other children.

  • Remove other children from the emergency area.

  • Provide reassurance and maintain calm.

Parent/Guardian Notification

  • Notify parents/guardians as soon as the situation is stabilized.

  • Provide factual information only.

  • Document time and method of notification.

Documentation

  • Complete an Accident/Incident Report the same day.

  • Include:

    • Date and time

    • Description of emergency

    • Actions taken

    • Emergency services involvement

    • Parent notification

Training Requirements

  • All staff must maintain current First Aid and CPR certification.

  • Emergency drills and medical response training must be conducted regularly.

Compliance

 

Failure to follow this SOP may result in disciplinary actions.