AOTA Emergency Procedures & Response 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A child with tactile defensiveness begins self-injurious biting during a sensory integration session. What is the FIRST priority action?
- Document the behavior for future session planning
- Ensure physical safety by moving harmful objects and guiding the child away from self-injury (Correct answer)
- Continue the session to avoid reinforcing avoidance behavior
- Immediately apply deep pressure to calm the nervous system
Correct answer: Ensure physical safety by moving harmful objects and guiding the child away from self-injury
Physical safety is always the first priority; the OT must prevent harm before implementing any therapeutic intervention.
Question 2: During a sensory gym session, suspended equipment breaks and a child falls to the mat. After ensuring the child is physically safe, what is the next required action?
- Resume the session if the child appears uninjured
- Complete an incident report and notify the supervisor/guardian (Correct answer)
- Replace the equipment immediately and adjust the activity
- Reassess the child's sensory processing patterns
Correct answer: Complete an incident report and notify the supervisor/guardian
Following any equipment failure or fall, an incident report must be filed and appropriate parties notified regardless of apparent injury.
Question 3: An OT practicing sensory integration notices a child exhibits sudden unresponsiveness and rhythmic eye twitching mid-session. What should the therapist do?
- Provide calming deep pressure input to interrupt the episode
- Recognize possible seizure activity, keep the child safe, time the episode, and call for emergency help (Correct answer)
- Increase proprioceptive input to raise arousal level
- Place an object in the child's mouth to prevent tongue biting
Correct answer: Recognize possible seizure activity, keep the child safe, time the episode, and call for emergency help
Sudden unresponsiveness with rhythmic movements indicates possible seizure; the therapist must protect the child, time the episode, and summon emergency assistance—never put anything in the mouth.
Question 4: A fire alarm activates while a child with autism is engaged in a sensory-rich activity. The child becomes dysregulated and refuses to move. What is the appropriate response?
- Wait for the child to self-regulate before evacuating
- Calmly but firmly guide or carry the child to the emergency exit following the evacuation plan (Correct answer)
- Continue the calming sensory activity to reduce panic before evacuation
- Call the child's parent to obtain consent before evacuating
Correct answer: Calmly but firmly guide or carry the child to the emergency exit following the evacuation plan
Life safety supersedes behavioral management; the child must be evacuated immediately using the least restrictive physical assistance necessary.
Question 5: When developing an emergency response plan for a client with severe sensory processing disorder, which element is MOST critical to include?
- A list of preferred sensory activities to use post-emergency
- Client-specific sensory triggers and individualized de-escalation strategies for first responders (Correct answer)
- Documentation of all previous sensory integration sessions
- A schedule of future therapy appointments
Correct answer: Client-specific sensory triggers and individualized de-escalation strategies for first responders
Sharing individualized sensory trigger information with first responders enables safer and more effective emergency management for clients with SPD.
Question 6: A child experiences anaphylaxis from an unknown allergen during a sensory feeding activity. The therapist locates an epinephrine auto-injector (EpiPen) prescribed to the child. What should the OT do?
- Administer the EpiPen only if trained to do so and it is prescribed to that child, then call 911 (Correct answer)
- Withhold the EpiPen until a physician authorizes its use
- Administer the EpiPen immediately without calling 911 if symptoms improve
- Contact the child's OT supervisor before administering the EpiPen
Correct answer: Administer the EpiPen only if trained to do so and it is prescribed to that child, then call 911
An OT may administer a prescribed EpiPen if trained and it belongs to the patient, and 911 must always be called afterward for follow-up care.
Question 7: A client with autism who uses a sensory diet becomes extremely agitated when a routine change disrupts their schedule during an emergency drill. The BEST immediate strategy is to:
- Cancel all future drills to reduce distress for this client
- Use a visual schedule and calm verbal cues to guide the client through the drill safely (Correct answer)
- Allow the client to skip the drill and remain in the therapy room
- Administer additional sensory input to force regulation before participation
Correct answer: Use a visual schedule and calm verbal cues to guide the client through the drill safely
Visual supports and calm guidance help dysregulated clients with autism navigate unexpected schedule changes while still participating in necessary safety drills.
AOTA Emergency Procedures & Response 2
A child with tactile defensiveness begins self-injurious biting during a sensory integration session.
What is the FIRST priority action?