The learner has a seizure, stops breathing normally, or collapses

• Medical emergency

The situation

During a session the learner has a seizure, has trouble breathing, chokes, faints, has a severe allergic reaction, or shows any other sign of a medical emergency. You may or may not know their medical history.

Contact now

• Immediate: Emergency services (911)
• Nurse or medical staff
• Parent or guardian
• Your supervising BCBA

Right now

Call emergency services, or have someone call while you stay with the learner, and follow the learner's medical or seizure plan if there is one and you have been trained in it. First aid is a certified skill; do what you are trained to do and no more, and let the dispatcher guide you.

Write down

• Record the time the event started and ended, and what you observed.
• Record when emergency services were called and when they arrived.
• Record who was present and who was notified.
• Complete the incident report the same day and tell your supervisor.

Medical response is governed by the learner's medical plan, your first-aid training and certification, and employer policy. A behavior plan never overrides a medical one.

Terms used here

• Incident Report
• Scope of Practice