Emergencies

Overview

Emergencies on educational visits are rare but do occur. Careful planning and clear procedures help ensure that situations are managed safely and effectively.

Most incidents can be handled by the visit leadership team. However, some situations may require support from the school or employer. Being prepared helps staff respond calmly and confidently when needed.

Visit Leaders should always follow their establishment’s Emergency Plan and relevant health and safety procedures.

Preparing for Emergencies

Good preparation is the most effective way to prevent and manage unexpected situations. When planning a visit, ensure the following arrangements are in place:

During an Emergency

If an incident occurs:

• Follow your establishment’s health and safety, first aid and emergency procedures
• Contact the school or designated emergency contact as soon as possible
• Record key information about the incident
• Manage communications

Digital tools such as EVOLVEgo help leaders access contact details and record information during an incident.

Emergency Pocket Guides are available from EVOLVE Advice to take on your visits. https://www.evolveadvice.co.uk/emergency-pocketguide

Contingency Planning

Every visit should have a Plan B to deal with reasonably foreseeable problems. These might include:

• Venue closures
• Severe weather and/or inappropriate conditions
• Transport delays or cancellations
• Restricted access to venues or parking areas

You should also be aware of wider issues that could disrupt travel or activities, such as major incidents or security alerts.

Good planning, clear communication and calm leadership are key to managing unexpected situations safely.

Links to further reading:

OEAP National Guidance available at https://oeapng.info