Procedures

SAFETY PROCEDURES FOR ALL ACTIVITIES.

First Aid

At each activity the following equipment must be available and will be carried by the main\sole instructor or assistant:
First Aid Kit in waterproof container, Plastic Survival Bag, Whistle, Torch, 20m+ length of 9mm rope or Throw bag, Spare clothing (e.g. Hat, gloves and top), Flask. These are a minimum requirement. A mobile phone will also be available for use.
Minimum Content:-
Pencil\Pen and Paper, 3 Triangular Bandages, Assorted Plasters, 2 no. 9 Wound Dressings, 2 Crepe Bandages or similar, Scissors, Micropore Tape or similar, resusi aid, 2 examination gloves, safety pins, Dextrosol or similar tablets
This list has been compiled by Tony Pugh, of Vale Medical Services and qualified Paramedic.

Vehicles

Vehicles are normally left at or near an activity site. Alternatively arrangements are made to get a vehicle to the site quickly in an emergency e.g. Driver having a mobile phone. A key to open the vehicle is always available. This always allows access to spare clothes and food.

24 Hour Cover

We have a specific mobile phone allotted solely as an emergency number. This phone together with all group details & emergency procedures is held by a nominated responsible person. Therefore at no time is the phone left unmanned
An Instructor phone list is carried by all instructors which has details of other instructors & key staff. It also has phone numbers for local police and hospitals.

A list of the group participants, their addresses, next of kin and any medical problems e.g. asthma should also be available either held by a group staff member or given to the main instructor. It is the responsibility of the instructor to ensure this information is available on an activity before it starts. This will be held by the visiting member of staff, in our office or activity centre in the “RED” emergency folder which is kept with the emergency phone.

A written note, called the Activity Log (c.f.) (this is replaced by a “booking form” for over 18’s) together with a list of participants and medical conditions, will be left with a responsible adult detailing where the activity is taking place, the number involved, a contact number for their group and an estimated time of return. In the event of this time being passed details of emergency procedures will be available. It is the instructors responsibility to ensure this is done. The activity log note is cancelled immediately on return.

Procedures in the event of an Accident or Emergency

Group safety must be considered before any action is taken to an individual. The group must be made safe. Only then can first aid or assistance be given to an individual. For a serious incident the emergency services will be called out at the first opportunity. The people delegated to do this must have full information of the incident as stated on the “Instructor/Drivers Pack”, and should be in no danger themselves. They should stay by the phone and await instructions from the emergency services.
The management of an incident must be left to the instructor and guidelines are only good where conditions allow. It is up to the instructor at the time to make any decisions necessary for the well being of the whole group and his experience as an instructor must be relied on.

Accidents can fall into three categories:
Serious e.g. call out of emergency services. Serious injury or Death.
Less serious e.g. where a hospital visit is required e.g. stitches, concussion.
Minor incident managed by instructor with no further action required e.g. muscle strain

All accidents will be entered into the accident and near miss book.

As soon as possible after the incident/accident the instructor in charge must complete an accident form & RIDDOR form if applicable.