EMERGENCIES AND CRITICAL INCIDENTS

Definitions

Emergency

An emergency is an event, actual or imminent, which

·        occurs on or off-site; 

·        endangers or threatens to endanger the life, property or environment; and

·        requires a significant and coordinated response.

(e.g.: electrical or water supply failure, bomb threat, or fire in a building or the surrounding environment of a school.)

Critical Incident

A critical incident is an incident in which there is a high likelihood of traumatic effects.  A critical incident evokes unusual or unexpectedly strong emotional reactions, which interfere with the ability of the individual, group or system to function either at the time or later (e.g.: on site accident causing death or serious injury, suicide.).

Responsibilities in relation to critical incidents

Departmental staff are expected to make every effort to anticipate risks and, where risks are foreseeable, to plan for risk minimisation and mitigation.

When an incident occurs the priority is good management of the incident to ensure the safety and welfare of students and staff.  Management of the incident involves notifying relevant Departmental officers, particularly when the incident has medical, legal, media or political implications.