Yesterday I had two 8th grade students in the same PE class get hurt. One girl (who I see often) twisted her ankle. Someone stepped on the other girl's big toe. They sat in the office in the jr high building for a hour before I could leave the elementary building (my main building) to check them out. They each had ice bags and the affected foot elevated on chairs when I arrived.
I didn't think either of them were seriously injured. They chatted casually with each other and cried if some one asked them about their injuries. There was not any swelling, discoloration or deformity. Cap refill was good and pulses were fine. I suggested that they return to class and they cried. I called each of the mothers. Moms had conversations with their daughters. Moms agreed that they should go back to class.
I gave the girls 10 minutes to get out of their PE clothes and get to class or they would be unexcused for that class (the last class of the day). I escorted the girls until they were back in class. I have to admit that I was a rather cold when talking to them because I wanted to cut through the drama that is so extreme in that class.
It turns out that the big toe was broken in 3 places (according to "Doc-in-a-box". How that happens from getting stepped on is still a mystery.
But I am feeling guilty for not being more sympathetic. Any body else have "oops" stories that they are not too proud to share? Thanks!
