ARE SCHOOLS AND TEACHERS PREPARED TO RESPOND TO HEALTH EMERGENCIES IN CHILDREN? A QUESTIONNAIRE STUDY IN MANGALORE, INDIA

Objective: To evaluate the preparedness of the schools and teachers to respond to medical and dental emergencies in children. Materials & method: A questionnaire was administered to teachers and heads of schools. Results: About 92% of them reported that they were not confident in dealing with the situation. None of the schools had a written protocol for emergency management. Conclusion: This study shows that teachers as well as schools are not prepared to deal with health emergencies.