1. Breathing Problems, Asthma Attacks & Allergic Reactions

Breathing emergencies are among the most urgent situations in schools.

Signs to watch for:
• Fast or difficult breathing
• Wheezing or coughing
• Blue lips or extremely pale skin
• Swelling, hives, vomiting, or signs of anaphylaxis

First Steps:
✔ Help the child use their inhaler or spacer
✔ Keep them calm and seated upright
✔ If an allergic reaction occurs, use the EpiPen immediately
✔ Call 911 if symptoms do not improve within minutes

2. Choking

Young children are at higher risk when eating quickly, laughing while eating, or playing with small objects.

First Steps:
✔ Encourage coughing
✔ If they cannot breathe or speak, give 5 back slaps and begin abdominal thrusts
✔ For infants, use 5 back slaps and 5 chest thrusts
✔ Call 911 immediately if the child becomes unresponsive

CPR and choking skills are essential for all teachers and childcare workers.

3. Playground & Classroom Injuries

Falls, cuts, sprains, and minor head bumps are common.

First Steps:
✔ Stop activity and check for bleeding or deformity
✔ Apply direct pressure to stop bleeding
✔ Ice bumps or sprains for 15–20 minutes
✔ Monitor children after any head injury
✔ Call 911 if the child vomits, becomes confused, or loses consciousness

4. Seizures

Seizures can occur in children with or without a known medical history.

First Steps:
✔ Keep the child safe—move objects away
✔ Do NOT put anything in their mouth
✔ Place them on their side when the seizure stops
✔ Time the seizure
✔ Call 911 if the seizure lasts more than 5 minutes or if the child does not regain normal breathing

5. Cardiac Arrest in Children

While rare, sudden cardiac arrest can occur in youth with undiagnosed conditions.

Warning Signs:
• Collapse
• No normal breathing
• Unresponsiveness

First Steps:
✔ Call 911
✔ Begin CPR immediately
✔ Use an AED as soon as possible

Early CPR can double or triple survival chances.

When to Call 911

Call emergency services right away if a child has:

• Difficulty breathing or severe allergic reaction
• Chest pain or loss of consciousness
• Heavy bleeding or a suspected broken bone
• A seizure lasting more than 5 minutes
• Poisoning or overdose
• Any situation you believe could be life-threatening

When unsure—call 911. Safety comes first.

Training Makes the Difference

Hands-on training builds confidence and helps school staff respond safely and effectively when every second counts.

Recommended training for schools, daycares, and youth programs includes:

✔ AHA CPR & AED Certification
✔ First Aid for Teachers & Childcare Providers
✔ BVAC First Response Essentials
✔ Stop the Bleed
✔ EpiPen/Naloxone Awareness
✔ Tactical Medicine training for security or school safety teams

These courses strengthen school emergency plans and ensure caregivers know what to do when a child is in crisis.