Evacuation Drill

NutmeggeRN, BSN · May 18, 2015

I always keep a list of who is on crutches or in a wheelchair or at risk or not evacuating due to a medical condition (seizure disorder/diabetes).

I list in a spreadsheet the name, the dx or if it is crutches or w/c, and then I list each block and the EXPECTED stairwell they would be using. When we evacuate, I go to the command post and radio to the attendance to ensure they have made it to their homeroom (check in).

Prior to drill WHEN I AM AWARE I review egress for the building with the student and we determine of they can manage the stairs or not. If not, they use a radio for the day so I can communicate with them to determine if they need assistance.

I keep the spread sheet on my desktop and update reprint every time thereis a change and keep that copy with my emergency bag. I also forward a copy to the principal and assistant principal.

If I am in another part of the building and cannot access my stuff, there is a record of who may be at risk for needing help to get out of the building.

Fun times.....we still have three more this year, ten total. 5 in the fall and 5 in the spring.....

Even more fun is when I am unaware that a student is on crutches......sigh

OldDude · May 18, 2015

What disaster scenario are you practicing?

SassyTachyRN · May 18, 2015

We are doing an evacuation drill this week also. I have never done one before. We are evacuating to a nearby parks and rec building. We are practicing a gas leak scenario.

kidzcare · May 18, 2015

We only ever do fire or lockdown drills.

This year (and maybe last year?) they did an active shooter drill, but it was on a teacher institute day and I am not contracted to work on those days.

GuEsT78 · May 18, 2015

Someone, perhaps in administration, should bring a list of all the students, healthy or not, along with parental contact information. That's in case someone has an unexpected medical emergency, gets hit by a car, or whatever.

And yes, for a drill that might not matter. Someone could always run back into the building. But drills should mimic real life when there might be a good reason not to go back inside, perhaps a gas leak.

With younger kids and if a real disaster occurs, you would need a list like that to check those kids out to their parents. Preschools often have an approved list of who can pick up a child. Some parents even have a code word the kid is taught. They are to leave with no one, even a family member or a friend of the family, who has not been told that code word. You're fortunate to be working with high school kids who are less vulnerable.

You're also lucky they'll be headed for a gym. Weather can make matters much worse. Then there needs to be protection from heat, cold, and rain. Not everyone copes with those well. Not everyone remembers to bring a coat in cold weather.

At a church I used to attend, I kept trying to get them to actually do these sorts of drills rather than merely talk about them. And I was caring for one-year olds who'd be transported to a parking lot across the street. What if it's cold or raining?, I thought. I could give up my coat, but that'd only take care of two or three of them. There were typically about fifteen of the cute little critters. Fortunately, there was a store nearby that would have let us in. Then again, I was in Seattle. The chief reason for leaving the building, a really bad quake, meant being indoors anywhere was risky. Real emergencies bring up all sorts of issues that need to be thought out in advance.

It's not your worry, but were I still in high school, I wouldn't be surprised to see a few of my classmates students looking for a opportunity to slip away. You can't make them hold on to a rope like little kiddies, but some way to keep them channeled as they go to that gym would be a good idea. Maybe student volunteers. Oh, and those inexpensive FRS radios can be handy, particularly if someone turns up missing.

All the suggestions you're getting is why drills are held. They reveal what works and what doesn't. Since this is your "first-ever" one, don't sweat the mistakes. Learn from them.

Farawyn · May 18, 2015

NutmeggeRN is hardcore.

NutmeggeRN, BSN · May 19, 2015

NutmeggeRN is hardcore.

AYUP!!! lol!! Did you sense my frustration when I am unaware when a kid is on crutches? Drives me nuts!!

JenTheSchoolRN, BSN, RN · May 19, 2015

AYUP!!! lol!! Did you sense my frustration when I am unaware when a kid is on crutches? Drives me nuts!!

I feel your frustration there.

SassyTachyRN · May 20, 2015

AYUP!!! lol!! Did you sense my frustration when I am unaware when a kid is on crutches? Drives me nuts!!

I'm always the last to know that info in my building. Secretaries are within 50 feet of me and let the kids on and off the elevator all day long yet fail to mention the child is on crutches to me. Or pass along the MD notes...

NutmeggeRN, BSN · May 20, 2015

I'm always the last to know that info in my building. Secretaries are within 50 feet of me and let the kids on and off the elevator all day long yet fail to mention the child is on crutches to me. Or pass along the MD notes...

It has GOT to be a power trip.....mine drives me nuts!!!!

LMTCBnurse · May 21, 2015

At my school all I am supposed to take is the emergency box. It contains no meds but does have a list of each student and their medical needs. All meds and paperwork are left in the office. This worries me but have no way to carry it all out. Any ideas?