| Name of Institution | Victoria Academy of Dramatic Arts |
| Institution Number | 3784 |
| Name of Policy | Critical Incident and Crisis Policy |
| Effective Date | Jan 01st, 2025 |
| Revision Date | Jan 01st, 2025 |
Policy Statement
This Crisis Management Policy ensures a coordinated, effective, and informed response to critical incidents impacting students and faculty. The policy has been tailored to reflect the unique characteristics of a small institution with limited on-site personnel, prioritizing safety, well-being, and adaptability.
This policy was developed not in response to incidents at this Academy but as part of the provincial government’s initiative to standardize responses to incidents at post-secondary institutions in BC.
Scope
This policy applies to all critical incidents, including but not limited to:
Incident Response Team
Due to limited on-site staff, the institution does not maintain a full Critical Incident Response Team (CIRT). Instead:
On-Site Instructor: Acts as the first point of contact during an incident.
Administrative Staff: Provide remote support, including liaising with emergency services and coordinating follow-up actions.
External Resources: Emergency services and community organizations are relied upon for specialized responses (e.g., medical care, counselling, or crisis intervention).
Crisis Incident Response Plan
Given the institution’s small size, response plans are designed to maximize efficiency and collaboration with external resources. The steps include:
01. Immediate Response: The on-site instructor is designated as the first responder, tasked with securing the safety of all individuals involved and contacting emergency services if needed.
02. Incident Assessment: The instructor evaluates the situation to determine the level of response required.
03. Intervention and Escalation: Emergency services (e.g., police, medical personnel, or mental health responders) are contacted immediately for incidents beyond the capacity of the instructor to handle.
04. Case Management: The instructor will notify the administrative staff as soon as it is safe to do so and a designated staff member from the administration will coordinate follow-up support remotely.
05. Follow-Up: The institution provides ongoing support and conducts a post-incident review to improve future responses.
Record-Keeping & Documentation
A detailed record of all critical incidents will be maintained for at least three years, including:
Records will be reviewed periodically by administrative staff to identify areas for improvement.