Handling Emergencies

General

There may be an occasion when a student with a disability needs immediate intervention in the classroom.  The most likely examples are seizures, diabetic shock, and heart attack.  Should such a situation arise, call Security, ext. 2226, immediately.  Give the building name, room number, and description of the emergency.  Campus Police may transport the student to the Health Center for additional treatment and observation or call other emergency services. 

If a heart attack is suspected, call 9-911, and someone who knows CPR techniques should start immediately if the person is not breathing.  If a student has a seizure, do not try to restrain the person.  Call 9-911.  Clear a space around the person so those hard objects do not injure him or her.  Do not try to interfere with movement in any way.  Do not try to force anything between the teeth.  When the incident passes, allow the student rest if he or she needs to.

Building Evacuation 

In the event that a building must be evacuated, it is best to ask students with disabilities how they wish to be assisted.  You can offer your arm to a blind or low-vision student to guide him or her to safety.  Turning the room lights off and on will alert a hearing-impaired student that an alarm is sounding.  Do not attempt to remove and carry a student in a wheelchair unless there is imminent danger.  If a person must be removed quickly from a chair, the person may sit in a sturdy chair or be carried using a two-person locked-arm position.  Students using wheelchairs may not be able to access elevators in an emergency since they often shut down.  Seek out a safe area, such as a smoke-free vestibule (they are often marked), and go for help.  BE SURE THAT IF YOU HAVE TO LEAVE A PERSON WITH A DISABILITY IN A SAFE AREA ALONE, THAT POLICE OR FIRE PERSONNEL GO BACK FOR HIM OR HER.   

In any classroom, whether or not students with disabilities are present, you should be aware of the emergency exits, and have thought through what you need to do.