Teachers in charge of pupils during a visit have a duty of care
to make sure that the pupils are safe and healthy. They also have a common law
duty to act as a reasonably prudent parent would. Teachers should not hesitate
to act in an emergency and to take life-saving action in an extreme situation.
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establish the nature and extent of the emergency as quickly as
possible;
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ensure that all the group are safe and looked after;
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establish the names of any casualties and get immediate medical
attention for them;
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ensure that all group members who need to know are aware of the
incident and that all group members are following the emergency procedures;
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ensure that a teacher accompanies casualties to hospital and
that the rest of the group are adequately supervised at all times and kept
together;
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notify the police if necessary;
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notify the British Embassy/Consulate;
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inform the school contact. The school contact number should be
accessible at all times during the visit; details of the incident to pass on to
the school should include: nature, date and time of incident; location of
incident; names of casualties and details of their injuries; names of others
involved so that parents can be reassured; action taken so far; action yet to be
taken (and by whom);
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notify insurers, especially if medical assistance is required
(this may be done by the school contact);
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ascertain telephone numbers for future calls;
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write down accurately and as soon as possible all relevant facts
and witness details and preserve any vital evidence;
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keep a written account of all events, times and contacts after
the incident;
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complete an accident report form as soon as possible;
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no-one in the group should speak to the media.
