A medical emergency is liable to occur in the preschool classroom. A medical emergency can include an allergic reaction, an incidence of choking, or an injury caused during play. For instance, a child could fall from equipment and break a bone. A medical emergency might also be caused by a condition or illness. For instance, a child prone to seizures could experience an episode in the classroom. Or, a child could collapse as a result of fatigue, dehydration or other illness. To be prepared for medical emergencies, instructors and caregivers are normally required to undergo special training. Trainers will advise the administration of medicines and vaccines, the operation of first aid kit equipment, and the method or procedure for contacting parents and medical authorities.
Abuse and neglect are also severe crises that can occur in the preschool setting. However, these instances are not easy to detect in young preschoolers who are not yet verbally communicative. Abuse occurs when a child is injured nonaccidentally, while neglect occurs when a parent, guardian or caregiver fails to provide for a child’s basic needs. There exist different forms of abuse, including physical, sexual and emotional. Likewise, there exist different forms of neglect, including physical, medical, educational or emotional. Sometimes, preschool instructors or caregivers are found to be liable of abuse of neglect. The exact crisis depends on the circumstances of the situation. For instance, if a caregiver unknowingly fails to provide a child with the proper medication, he can be charged with neglect. If a caregiver willingly withholds medication and/or food, he can be charged with abuse.
An intruder also presents an emergency situation in a preschool setting. An armed intruder obviously presents a very grave threat to the safety and physical well-being of children. However, preschool instructors and caregivers are trained to approach all unidentified or unauthorized persons as intruders. Even a parent can present a severe threat. For instance, if a non-custodial parent appears to pick up a child, there is potential for a crisis, in case that parent has plans to flee with the child. In order to prevent instances of unwelcome intruders, many preschool facilities restrict access to authorized parents and caregivers.
Natural or man-made disasters present a serious threat to the preschool classroom, especially because young children can be prone to panic or behave without care in such situations. Natural disasters include floods, tornadoes, earthquakes, hurricanes or blizzards. Such natural disasters can cause structural damage to the building, which may result in serious or even fatal injuries. Man-made disasters, including fires, power failures or bomb threats, also present grave threat. To prepare for such crises, preschool facilities are required to have a written plan for reporting and evacuation. Preschool staff should also train students on emergency response methods and conduct evacuation drills.