SAFETY

AND

HEALTH A

T

CAMP

NICHOLAS ELWELL, EMT

A SAFE CAMP IS NO ACCIDENT

• According to Congressional Record, Scouts and leaders are safer in a Scout summer camp than they would be in their homes.

How can this be when Scouts and leaders are living in the outdoors, subjected to wind and storm, routinely exposed to sharp instruments, swimming, boating, running, climbing, hiking, and more?!

• A Scout’s safety in camp is the direct result of the Boy Scouts of America’s commitment to firm but realistic health and safety standards.

WHAT ARE THE HAZARDS?

• Lets name some areas that can present to be potential health hazards.

COPE Aquatics

Shooting Sports

Ecology

First Year Camper

Any Others?

Scoutcraft

CAMP HEALTH OFFICER

• A licensed healthcare practitioner licensed to practice medicine in that state is always in charge of medical care and health supervision of the camp. Our camp practitioner is Dr. Novak.

• A lot of camps hire Health Officers in the place of doctors. (Much Like Ours!)

• Qualified Health Officers Are: Registered Nurses. Physician Assistants, Emergency Medical Technicians, or Paramedics.

• The Health Officer works under “Standing Orders” (protocols approved by the physician)

DUTIES OF THE CAMP HEALTH OFFICER

• Dispense Prescription and Over the Counter (OTC) medications

• Treat Injuries / Illnesses

• First Aid Log Management

• Maintain all health records

MEDICAL EVALUATIONS

• For Many years, the Boy Scouts of America has required an annual physical examination for anyone attending long-term camp. In recent years, the physicians on our national Health and Safety Committee have determined that a medical evaluation every three years is sufficient for the normally healthy youngster participating in activities akin to day-to-day activities at home or school.

CAMP HEALTH INSPECTION

• During our season of camp at CSR, we have daily campsite inspections performed by our Commissioner Staff to ensure the health and safety of all campsites

• Cleanliness of Staff Row is mandatory as unsatisfactory living environments will not be tolerated

• Food handling areas are inspected daily

FIRST AID AND CPR

• Each camp is required to have one staff member trained in CPR/First Aid for every 40 campers.

• For the protection of our campers and leaders, it is advisable that persons trained in first aid and CPR be available to all areas of camp.

• Dining hall personnel should be aware of the signs and symptoms of choking and should be instructed in the simple measures taken to relieve this issue prior to the arrival of the Camp Health Officer.

IN CONCLUSION

• Health and Safety at CSR starts with YOU!

• All first aid events must be reported to Camp Health Officer

• Clean living spaces are mandatory

• Don’t interrupt Camp Health Officer during Medication Administration unless Medical Emergency.

• Encourage Hydration to all Scouts

• Seek help from senior staff / Camp Health Officer if needed

• Importantly, “HAVE A CITTA-RIFFIC SUMMER!”