5. Risk management (2): on site

Part of Camp leadership basics, an introductory course on general camp-leadership knowledge. It is not the official material of any certification course.

During the day

• Count heads and check how everyone feels before and after every activity and move.
• Recheck hazards on site; weather and water levels change.
• Tell campers where staff sleep and how to find help at night.
• Look after your own sleep, food and water; tired leaders make poor decisions.

Lightning

The National Weather Service is blunt: there is no safe place outside when thunderstorms are in the area. When Thunder Roars, Go Indoors, to a substantial building or a hard-topped vehicle, and stay there at least 30 minutes after the last thunder. Never shelter under an isolated tree. Decide your shelter plan before the storm. See Lightning safety.

Water

CDC says drowning happens in seconds and is often silent. Designate a responsible adult to supervise closely and constantly, supervise even when lifeguards are present, use a buddy system, and put children in life jackets around natural water. The Red Cross adds that a child can drown in the time it takes to reply to a text. See Water competency.

Health: allergies and medications

The American Academy of Pediatrics publishes recommendations for preparing young people for day and resident camps and for health practices at camp; ACA supports them. Two points matter for every leader:

• Anaphylaxis: epinephrine is the recommended emergency treatment, given immediately, followed by a call to 911. AAP advises that children at risk carry at least two doses at all times. Know which campers carry auto-injectors and where they are.
• Medications: who may give medications at camp is set by each state's rules (ACA). Follow the camp's written procedures and record every dose.

When something goes wrong

1. Stop and stay calm. Rushing creates a second accident.
2. Care for the injured: first aid, call emergency services.
3. Prevent further harm to rescuers and other campers.
4. Notify the director, families and, for serious events, authorities. Writing the message down first makes it accurate.
5. Record times, actions, witnesses and conditions (notes, photos, sketches).
6. Inform the insurer, even for small incidents.

Make sure several staff have current first aid and CPR training, and rehearse the plan together before campers arrive.

Think it through

1. Assign each step of the incident response to a named person on your staff. Who does step 4 if the director is the one injured?
2. Where would you shelter your group if thunder were heard during a lake activity at your site?

Related on this site

• Stinging insects and venomous snakes
• Carbon monoxide at camp
• Carrying a knife in Japan
• Finding a CPR and first aid class