First Aid

In many situations, a school nurse may be available to direct the activities necessary for the treatments of illness, injury, or other health problems of students. However, at times, the nurse may not be available for first aid on the school premises, and educators will need to take appropriate action. Each science classroom should be equipped with appropriate first-aid and safety materials. The California Emergency Medical Services Authority provides these guidelines for Emergency First Aid in California Schools. (Revised 2013) (PDF).

The first few minutes following a safety incident are critical, so educators need to respond to the situation even before medical responders arrive.

Note: This guidance is intended to support safe science instruction and emergency preparedness in classroom; laboratory; science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM); and field-based settings. It should be implemented in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws; district policies; school health procedures; Safety Data Sheets; and manufacturer instructions. School systems should review and adapt these procedures in consultation with appropriate personnel, including science educators, school administrators, school nurses or other licensed health professionals, risk management staff, legal counsel, and local emergency medical or public safety partners. This document does not replace required first aid training, medical advice, emergency response protocols, or the professional judgment of trained responders.

Responding to Laboratory and Classroom Emergencies

Teachers and other instructional staff who supervise laboratory or hands-on science activities should receive appropriate first aid, emergency response, and site-specific safety training. All emergency responses should follow district policy, school health protocols, Safety Data Sheets, and the directions of emergency medical personnel. Staff should know the location and proper use of emergency equipment, including eyewash stations, safety showers, first aid supplies, fire extinguishers, emergency shutoffs, and communication devices.

The following are examples of science classroom or laboratory incidents that may require immediate first aid and assistance from the school nurse, school health personnel, emergency medical services, or Poison Control.

Burns

Burns may result from heat-producing equipment, such as Bunsen burners, matches, hot plates, heated glassware, steam, chemicals, or electrical sources. In the event of a burn, the affected area should be cooled promptly with cool, clean running water. Staff should seek immediate assistance from the school nurse or designated health personnel and follow school emergency procedures. Serious, extensive, chemical, or electrical burns require emergency medical attention. (For more information, visit the Red Cross burns web page .)

Chemical Exposure

Hands-on and inquiry-based science instruction may involve the use of chemicals that can pose exposure risks. Before any laboratory activity, teachers should review the applicable Safety Data Sheets and ensure that students understand relevant hazards, required personal protective equipment, and emergency procedures.

If a chemical contacts the eyes or body, the individual should immediately use the eyewash station or safety shower, as appropriate. The affected area should be flushed with large amounts of tepid water for at least 15 minutes, unless the Safety Data Sheet or emergency responders provide different instructions. Staff should request immediate assistance from the school nurse or designated health personnel and seek medical attention as needed. (For more information, visit the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) web page on first aid procedures .)

Poisoning or Accidental Ingestion

Accidental ingestion of hazardous substances may occur through direct contact, improper handling, or cross-contamination. Teachers should review Safety Data Sheets before using hazardous materials and should instruct students never to eat, drink, taste, or mouth materials in the laboratory.

If poisoning or ingestion is suspected, staff should contact Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 for immediate guidance. If the individual is unconscious, convulsing, having difficulty breathing, or otherwise experiencing a life-threatening emergency, staff should call 911 immediately and request assistance from school health personnel. Vomiting should not be induced unless directed by Poison Control or emergency medical personnel. If the person is conscious, able to swallow, and has ingested a burning, irritating, or caustic substance, Poison Control guidance may include giving a small amount of water or milk; staff should follow expert instructions based on the specific exposure. (For more information, visit the National Capital Poison Control web page .)

Embedded Sharp Objects

Sharp or pointed objects, including rods, dowels, glass, tools, or other laboratory materials, can cause puncture wounds or become embedded in the body. If an object is embedded in the skin or body, staff should not attempt to remove it. The individual should be kept calm and still while immediate assistance is requested from the school nurse, designated health personnel, or emergency medical services, as appropriate.

Lacerations and Bleeding

Broken glassware, blades, tools, and other sharp materials can cause cuts or lacerations. If bleeding occurs, staff should use appropriate personal protective equipment, such as disposable medical gloves, and apply direct pressure with clean material to help control bleeding. Assistance should be requested from the school nurse or designated health personnel. Emergency medical services should be contacted for severe, uncontrolled, or life-threatening bleeding.

Allergic Reactions and Anaphylaxis

Because science activities may involve potential allergens, schools should collect relevant allergy information from parents or guardians before activities involving biological specimens, animals, plants, foods, latex, chemicals, or other possible allergens. Teachers should consult with the school nurse or designated health personnel regarding student health plans, known allergies, and emergency response procedures.

For signs of a severe allergic reaction or anaphylaxis, staff should follow the student’s emergency care plan and school medication policies. If the individual has a prescribed epinephrine auto-injector, trained staff should assist according to district policy and applicable state law. Staff should call 911 immediately for suspected anaphylaxis and request assistance from school health personnel.

Amputations and Severe Traumatic Injuries

Power tools, hand tools, and mechanical equipment used in STEM, engineering, technology, physics, or career technical education settings can present a risk of severe traumatic injury, including amputation. In the event of an amputation or suspected amputation, staff should call 911 immediately and request assistance from the school nurse or designated health personnel.

While awaiting emergency responders, staff should follow first aid training and school protocols, including using appropriate personal protective equipment, helping control bleeding with direct pressure, keeping the individual as calm and still as possible, and monitoring for signs of shock. Any amputated body part should be handled only according to first aid training and emergency medical guidance.