NEWPORT, N.H. — The Richards Elementary School staff and students were praised by school and district officials for responding quickly and efficiently in a “clear the halls” event due to a staff medical emergency.
“The students and staff handled it extremely well,” said Principal Robert Clark. “It was a medical situation where kids stayed in the classroom and continued to do their work. Once it was all clear and things are good, they are able to walk through the hallways again.”
Clark said that this is not a particular part of their drills, but the school does have drills for lockdowns and evacuations that helped everyone be prepared.
Superintendent Donna Magoon issued a letter to Newport families, informing them of the event, saying “this procedure was initiated due to a staff member experiencing a medical emergency.” No further details were provided about the emergency, or the status of the individual.
“”Clear the Halls” is a safety protocol designed to ensure that staff and students remain in their classrooms and learning to occur, while allowing emergency personnel to access the necessary areas of the building quickly and efficiently,” Magoon wrote. “At no time were students or staff in danger. The situation was managed promptly and with care.”
Clark said that there were paramedics at the school, and the school resource officer helped assist. Magoon commended the way everyone responded to the incident.
“We are grateful for the professionalism of our staff and the cooperation of our students during this time,” Magoon said. “Emergency personnel were able to provide the necessary assistance.
“I think we are very lucky that our staff and students are trained and know what to do,” Magoon said. “The staff acts naturally and just continues teaching. That’s what is different with ‘clear the halls,’ because the kids don’t even really know what is going on outside the classroom.”
Magoon said this respect for the staff member going through the emergency, as EMTs are able to come in and tend to the patient without having all eyes on them.
“Everybody handled everything respectfully and the day went on,” she said. “It was good to see that drills we have work.”
—Bob Martin, Eagle Times
