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BS Summer Camp

Health and Safety Committee

The purpose of the Scouting America Health and Safety Committee is to oversee and actively promote the safety of all participants in Scouting activities by establishing and enforcing safety guidelines, reviewing risk management practices, ensuring proper training for leaders, and investigating incidents to prevent future occurrences, all with the goal of maintaining a safe Scouting environment for youth and adults alike. 


Communication and education:

They disseminate safety information and updates to all levels of Scouting leadership and participants to promote a culture of safety. 

  

The committee meets quarterly

                

April 29th                                   MTC office                      6:00pm

September 2nd                         MTC office                      6:00pm

October 28th                             MTC office                      6:00pm



Key points about the Health and Safety Committee:

Focus on safety standards:

They review and update safety protocols based on Scouting America guidelines and best practices, ensuring all activities adhere to established safety standards. 

Leader training:

The committee works to ensure all adult leaders are adequately trained in safety procedures, including first aid, risk assessment, and emergency response. 

Incident review:

They investigate any accidents or incidents that occur during Scouting activities to identify potential causes and implement preventative measures. 

Risk management: (Committee Led by Patrick Sheehan for more information please contact Vance Lackey at vance.lackey@scouting.org)

The committee actively identifies potential hazards in Scouting activities    and develops strategies to mitigate risks. 

Communication and education:

They disseminate safety information and updates to all levels of Scouting leadership and participants to promote a culture of safety. 

 

For more info on Health and Safety Committee in the Middle Tennessee Council please contact Dr. Jim Felch at jimfelch@icloud.com 

 

If you need to report an incident or need more clarification on an incident, please go to https://www.mtcscouting.org/healthandsafety

 

Want to become a Messager of Safety please check out our website at https://www.mtcscouting.org/messengerofsafety 

 

Wanna help with our Summer Camp Staff in our Health Lodge please see the Summer Camp Staff page https://www.mtcscouting.org/campstaffopportunity 

 

 

In the Middle Tennessee Council and the Scouting program, we will not compromise the safety of our youth, volunteers, and employees. Safety is a value that must be taught and reinforced at every opportunity. We are all responsible and must hold each other accountable to provide a safe environment for all participants. 


Before you go on an outing in Scouting, please refer to the

Guide to Safe Scouting  https://www.scouting.org/health-and-safety/gss/ 

Youth Protection Training https://www.scouting.org/health-and-safety/gss/gss01/ 


Program trainings can be found

Hazardous Weather Training – go to online course

Safe Swim Defense – go to online course

Safety Afloat – go to online course

Climb On Safely – go to online course

Training – Health & Safety (covers numerous topics like first aid and aquatics)  – link

Outdoor Programs ATV Safety & Training – link

Chainsaw Safety Training – check with your Council for this facilitated training

The Adventure Plan (replaced Trek Safely) – link

COPE and Climbing Training – link


To learn more check out Safety Moments and SAFE from the Health and Safety Team!

 

Camping

Scouting America has established the following guidelines for a safe and quality camping experience. Fundamental guiding principles for camping:

  • Supervision of camping activities must include qualified, registered, adult leadership.

  • At a minimum, one leader present is current in Hazardous Weather Training for all unit types. It is recommended that all leaders complete this training every two years.

  • At a minimum, Cub Scout Packs, Webelos dens and Arrow of Light dens / patrols who camp overnight must have a BALOO trained leader present. BALOO is recommended for all Cub Scout leaders who go camping with Cub Scouts.

  • Local council approval is needed for unit-coordinated overnight camping activities involving other units not chartered by the same organization. Units that wish to host events involving other units that do not share the same charter partner must have approval from their council. This includes events for packs, troops, crews, and ships from the same council; neighboring councils; the same territory; or other territory.

  • Activities must be age- and skill-appropriate for all participants.

  • Youth who are not registered in the unit may not accompany parents or siblings in camping programs of Scouts BSA*, Venturing, and Sea Scouting. 

    • For example, siblings who are not registered in the specific troop may not attend Scouts BSA troop campouts as part of a “family camp”.  Youth who are not registered in the unit may not accompany parents or siblings in camping programs of Scouts BSA*, Venturing, and Sea Scouting.

  • For council coordinated overnight camping, NCAP standards for short- or long-term camps must be met as minimum safety and quality standards.

 

Additional program-centric requirements and limitations to camping may also exist.  These are introduced in training modules required of unit leaders and specified in other sections of the Guide to Safe Scouting. 

*See Guidelines for Arrow of Light Scouts Camping Overnight with Scouts BSA below. 


Additional Guidelines Specifically for Cub Scout Unit-Coordinated Camping

  • Cub Scout camping is a family-centric program.

  • Cub Scout camping is limited to their council’s designated locations with appropriate facilities.

  • Cub Scout pack unit coordinated camping is limited to no more than two consecutive nights. 

  • Cub Scout youth may tent with a parent or guardian and siblings as outlined in Scouting’s Barriers to Abuse.

  • As with all Scouting activities, Lion Cub Scouts and Tiger Cub Scouts must have their adult partner present to take part in overnight camping. 

  • For all other ranks: only in exceptional circumstances, a Cub Scout whose parent or legal guardian cannot attend a unit overnight camping trip may participate under the supervision of another registered adult member in Scouting who is a parent of a Cub Scout who is also attending. The unit leader and a parent or legal guardian must agree to the arrangement, and all Youth Protection policies apply. At no time may another adult accept responsibility for more than one additional “nonfamily member” youth. 

 

Webelos and Arrow of Light Camping Additional Guidelines

Effective June 1, 2024, Webelos is the designated program for 4th graders and Arrow of Light is the designated program for 5th graders.  As such, the Arrow of Light program is no longer combined with the Webelos program and the purpose of Webelos (4th grade) is no longer to prepare Cub Scouts to join Scouts BSA. The purpose of the Arrow of Light program is to prepare for Arrow of Light Scouts to join a Scouts BSA troop. 


  • Only Webelos Scout dens and Arrow of Light dens/patrols may conduct den coordinated overnight campouts.  Webelos Scout dens and Arrow of Light dens/ patrols coordinated overnight campouts are restricted to no more than two consecutive nights.  

  • Webelos den or Arrow of Light den/patrol coordinated camping is only for the youth members of those dens/patrols, their parents, and their registered adult leadership.   

  • Webelos den and Arrow of Light den/ patrol coordinated campout must have a BALOO trained adult leader in attendance and all of Scouting’s Youth Protection policies apply. Reminder – Cub Scout overnight camping is limited to their council’s designated locations with appropriate facilities. 

  • During Webelos Scout dens and Arrow of Light den/patrol camping, each Scout should attend with their parent(s) or legal guardian(s). A Webelos Scout or Arrow of Light Scout whose parent or legal guardian cannot attend a Webelos den or Arrow of Light patrol overnight camping trip may participate under the supervision of at least two registered leaders. The leaders and a parent or legal guardian must agree to the arrangement, and all Youth Protection policies apply. 

  • Webelos Scouts and Webelos Scout dens may not participate at a Scouts BSA troop unit campout or at a Scouts BSA “camporee” or other events designed for Scouts BSA during the day and/or overnight, even as visitors.  

* Guidelines for Arrow of Light Scouts Camping Overnight with Scouts BSA 

  • Arrow of Light Scouts can participate and camp at a unit coordinated campout with a Scouts BSA troop they are eligible to join. They must attend as an Arrow of Light den/patrol under the supervision of two deep leadership from their Arrow of Light den/patrol or pack.  All Cub Scout camping requirements still apply, including the Arrow of Light den/patrol must have a BALOO trained adult leader in attendance and all of Scouting’s Youth Protection policies apply.  

  • Arrow of Light Scouts may participate at a Scouts BSA “camporee” (council coordinated, short-term camp, see NCAP SA-001) during the day and/or overnight in one of two ways:  

    1. With their Arrow of Light Den/Patrol. Arrow of Light Scouts can attend as an Arrow of Light den/patrol under the supervision of two deep leadership from their Arrow of Light den/patrol or pack. The Arrow of Light Scout’s parent or legal guardian(s) may attend with the Arrow of Light den/patrol and their child, either alongside the two-deep leadership or as part of it if they are registered with the pack. Or 

    2. As an Individual Scout. Arrow of Light Scouts can attend with their parent(s) or legal guardian(s) if the local council coordinates two deep leadership per NCAP Standard HS-502.   

 

Hazard Trees

Hazard trees are dead trees, live trees with dead parts, and live trees that are unstable due to defects and are within striking distance of people or property.


Here are some tips to prevent a hazard tree from affecting your event:

  • Assess your site. Look up, look down, and look all around when parking a vehicle, hiking on the trail or selecting a campsite.

  • Avoid campsites with hazard trees. Dead trees and dead limbs may fall at any time. Trees without needles, bark, or limbs may indicate structural defects.

  • If a campsite has hazard trees but must be used, be sure that all tents, chairs, hammocks, and work areas are outside the trees’ failure zone or fall radius. The fall radius on flat ground is 1½ times the height of the tree or tree part that could fail. Sloping ground could increase the danger zone.

  • Don’t use dead trees, hazard trees, or other unstable objects to support tents, canopies, or hammocks.

  • Check the environment constantly for changes, including the weather, as storms can increase the likelihood of trees or parts of trees falling.

 

Lightning Risk Reduction

In many parts of the country, Scouting activities in the outdoors will be at risk to thunderstorms and lightning strike potential. In a thunderstorm, there is no risk-free location outside.


First, to be prepared for your outdoor adventure, it is important to know the weather patterns of the area. Weather patterns on the Florida coast differ greatly from the mountains of New Mexico and the lakes of Minnesota or the rivers of West Virginia. In addition to patterns, monitor current weather forecasts and conditions of the area you plan to visit to modify your plans if needed.


The National Weather Service recommends that when the “Thunder Roars, Go Indoors! The only completely safe action is to get inside a safe building or vehicle.” When a safe building or vehicle is nearby, the best risk-reduction technique is to get to it as soon as possible. Move quickly when you:

  • First hear thunder,

  • See lightning, or

  • Observe dark, threatening clouds developing overhead.

Stay inside until 30 minutes after you hear the last rumble of thunder before resuming outdoor activities.

Shelter—two forms:

  • Safe Building—one that is fully enclosed with a roof, walls, and floor, and has plumbing or wiring. Examples of safe buildings include a home, school, church, hotel, office building, or shopping center.

  • Safe Vehicle—any fully enclosed, metal-topped vehicle such as a hard-topped car, minivan, bus, truck, etc. If you drive into a thunderstorm, slow down and use extra caution. If possible, pull off the road into a safe area. Do NOT leave the vehicle during a thunderstorm.

Risk Reduction (when no safe building or vehicle is nearby):

  • If camping, hiking, etc., far from a safe vehicle or building, avoid open fields, the top of a hill, or a ridge top.

  • Spread your group out 100 feet from each other if possible.

  • Stay away from tall, isolated trees; flag poles; totem poles; or other tall objects. If you are in a forest, stay near a lower stand of trees.

  • If you are camping in an open area, set up camp in a valley, ravine, or other low area, but avoid flood-prone areas. Remember, a tent offers NO protection from lighting.

  • Stay away from water, wet items (such as ropes), and metal objects (such as fences and poles). Water and metal are excellent conductors of electricity.

  • If boating and you cannot get back to land to a safe building or vehicle:


    On a small boat, drop anchor and get as low as possible. Large boats with cabins, especially those with lightning protection systems properly installed, or metal marine vessels offer a safer but not risk-free environment. Remember to stay inside the cabin and away from any metal surfaces.

If lightning strikes, be prepared to administer CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) so that you can tend to lightning victims quickly (they do not hold an electrical charge). Take anyone who is a victim of a lightning strike or near-strike to the nearest medical facility as soon as possible, even if the person appears to be unharmed.


For additional information on lightning and weather services, visit www.noaa.gov.

For additional information on Health and Safety please go to https://www.scouting.org/health-and-safety/ 

 

Wilderness First Aid

Up Coming Trainings can be found at https://www.mtcscouting.org/CoursePrograms 

What is wilderness first aid?

 

Wilderness first aid, or “WFA”, is a generic term that commonly refers to any training course that focuses on prevention, assessment, and treatment for an ill or injured person in a remote environment where definitive care by a physician and/or rapid transport is not readily available. This is defined as being an hour or more away from advanced care.  WFA courses are intended for anyone planning a remote high adventure, from lay responders to medical professionals.


Why is WFA important?

WFA prepares participants to identify and address medical issues that can arise in the backcountry.

Generally, WFA courses contain substantial medical information and teach skills to respond to medical emergencies in the wild. It is important to remember that many providers offer “wilderness first aid” courses, but the courses vary in content, duration, accreditation, and other factors. 


A BSA-led task force developed a WFA training curriculum specifically for Scouts and Scouters to help them provide assessment and treatment miles from advanced care.  More information on the curriculum is below.  


Treatment skills are important, but so is educating Scouts and adult leaders to recognize illnesses early and minimize the potential for injury. The skills learned in a Scouting America approved WFA course can save lives.


WFA is not just for the backcountry.  It is just as relevant in urban areas during hurricanes, floods, fires, or mass casualty events when emergency services might be strained.  WFA knowledge can be lifesaving.

“When an emergency occurs in the wild, the goal must be to provide the greatest good for the greatest number in the shortest time, and do no harm in the process.”


Who needs WFA?

Youth (14 years old and up) and adult Scout leaders are encouraged to take a 16-hour WFA course based on the specific curriculum developed by Scouting America, which includes a management dimension that most course fail to address. Participants will likely find it the most valuable program they’ll ever take. 

Find the Wilderness First Aid Curriculum and Doctrine Guidelines here.

WFA Certification

Scouting America has identified the following providers as meeting the Scouting America requirements for WFA training: 

  1.  American Red Cross, American Red Cross, and Scouting America Training Agreement

  2.  Emergency Care & Safety Institute, Emergency Care & Safety Institute and Scouting America Training Agreement

  3. Contact your local council or the high adventure program you will be attending for additional providers.

The ACA does not review or approve courses for Scouting America units. Please get in touch with your local Scouting America council for questions regarding a specific course or a list of approved providers. 

WFA courses offered by other providers do not meet the Scouting America wilderness first aid requirements. If WFA is required for your adventure (see Scouting America facilities’ requirements below), you must obtain a certificate of successful completion. In addition, a current CPR/AED certificate is also needed. If you have specific questions on equivalencies, reach out to the entity running the program requiring WFA.     


High Adventure Base WFA Requirements

All four of Scouting America high-adventure bases (HAB) require at least one person per trek (two per trek at Philmont Scout Ranch) to be current in WFA through one of Scouting America approved providers. Of course, having more participants trained in WFA skills is highly recommended for any high adventure or backcountry experience.

Many other councils that offer high-adventure programs are encouraged to require WFA training as part of their requirements. Check directly with the local council providing the high-adventure program for details. In addition, participants in unit-centered high-adventure programs would greatly benefit from WFA skills in the event of an emergency.


Course modules

The 2017 Scouting America WFA curriculum allows for additional scenario practice time which helps participants utilize their new skills in a controlled setting. Comments from previous participants found that the scenarios are helpful in providing immediate feedback, particularly to those with no medical background.

To download the Scouting America Wilderness First Aid Curriculum, click American Red Cross, and Scouting America Training Agreement

 

Core modules

  • Patient assessment—initial and focused

  • Chest injuries

  • Shock

  • Head (brain) and spinal injuries

  • Bone and joint injuries

  • Wounds and wound infection

  • Allergies and anaphylaxis

  • Scenarios


Elective modules

  • Abdominal problems

  • Hypothermia

  • Heat

  • Lightning

  • Altitude illnesses

  • Submersion

  • Wilderness first-aid kits


Frequently Asked Questions

BSA WFA Instructor Resources 

Whether you are teaching the WFA blended or traditional 16-hour course, we have developed some instructor resources that may help you with your class. Although developed with the blended WFA in-person skills check course in mind, we included information that would be helpful for any WFA instructor. New instructors or seasoned veterans will find some important tips and techniques to help them make an impact with their students.

To download the Scouting America Wilderness First Aid Instructor Manual, click here


BSA WFA Scenarios

Simple Scenarios

Complex Scenarios

  • Altitude Illness

    • Victim 1 (Kevin) and Victim 2 (Tim) – Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS)


      Victim 1 (Kevin) – High-Altitude Pulmonary Edema (HAPE); develops on the third day of a three-day trek

  • Deep Wound with Severe Bleeding

    • Victim 1 – Youth With Deep, Contaminated Wound; Severe Bleeding From Right Lower Leg

  • Diabetic Illness, Respiratory Distress, Poison Ivy, and Seizure

    • Victim 1 (Tom) – Youth with Low Blood Sugar and History of Diabetes


      Victim 2 (Andrew) – Youth with Respiratory Distress


      Victim 3 (Joe) – Adult with Skin Rash (Poison Ivy Rash)


      Victim 4 (Phil) – Youth with Seizure

  • Hypothermia

    • Victim 1 – Adult With Hypothermia and Hypertension


      Victim 2 – Adult With Hypothermia

  • Lightning

    • Victim 1 (Erich) and Victim 2 (Dan) – Lightning strike

  • Multiple Injuries on a Sailboat

    • Victim 1 (Paul) – Choking (Youth)


      Victim 2 (Sean) – Traumatic Brain Injury with Suspected Skull Fracture (Youth)


      Victim 3 (Michael) – Cervical Spine Injury (Youth)

  • Orthopedic Injuries

    • Victim 1 – Youth With Possible Sprain in Left Ankle


      Victim 2 – Youth With Possible Fracture in Right Hip, Minor Head Injury, Superficial Cuts and Scrapes

  • Penetrating Chest Wound

    • Victim 1 – Youth With Penetrating (Sucking) Chest Wound

  • Submersion Distress

    • Victim 1 – Submersion Distress

Got WFA Questions? Visit Wilderness First Aid FAQ’s. 

American Red Cross and Scouting America Training Agreement

We are excited to announce a new memorandum of understanding has been completed between the American Red Cross and Scouting America. In addition to traditional Authorized Provider agreements for training Scouts and Scouters, the new MOU has a provision for Full-Service Training.

Emergency Care & Safety Institute and Scouting America Training Agreement

Find out how you can help make it easier to learn CPR, AED use, and first aid. The Emergency Care & Safety Institute is providing training materials to help Scouting America volunteers and staff members teach Scouts how to provide life-saving care in the event of an emergency.



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