Showing posts with label Safety. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Safety. Show all posts

Monday, June 10, 2013

BSA Annual Health and Medical Record

Annual Health and Medical Record
(Valid for 12 calendar months)
Policy on Use of the Annual Health and Medical Record
In order to provide better care for its members and to assist them in better understanding their own physical capabilities, the Boy Scouts of America recommends that everyone who participates in a Scouting event have an annual medical evaluation by a certified and licensed health-care provider—a physician (MD or DO), nurse practitioner, or physician assistant. Providing your medical information on this four-part form will help ensure you meet the minimum standards for participation in various activities. Note that unit leaders must always protect the privacy of unit participants by protecting their medical information.
Note: This record is provided as a fillable PDF, and members are encouraged to fill it out on their computer, then print the record (rather than printing the record and filling it out by hand). Doing this will improve the readability and accuracy of each member's medical information. For additional information about safeguarding your medical information, click here
Parts A and B are to be completed at least annually by participants in all Scouting events. This health history, parental/guardian informed consent and release agreement, and talent release statement are to be completed by the participant and parents/guardians.

Part C is the physical exam that is required for participants in any event that exceeds 72 consecutive hours, for all high-adventure base participants, or when the nature of the activity is strenuous and demanding. Service projects or work weekends may fit this description. Part C is to be completed and signed by a certified and licensed health-care provider—physician (MD or DO), nurse practitioner, or physician assistant. It is important to note that the height/weight limits must be strictly adhered to when the event will take the unit more than 30 minutes away from an emergency vehicle, accessible roadway, or when the program requires it, such as backpacking trips, high-adventure activities, and conservation projects in remote areas. See the FAQs for when this does not apply.
Part D is required to be reviewed by all participants of a high-adventure program at one of the national high-adventure bases and shared with the examining health-care provider before completing Part C.

Risk Factors
Based on the vast experience of the medical community, the BSA has identified the following risk factors that may limit your participation in various outdoor adventures.
Prescriptions
The taking of prescription medication is the responsibility of the individual taking the medication and/or that individual’s parent or guardian. A leader, after obtaining all the necessary information, can agree to accept the responsibility of making sure a youth takes the necessary medication at the appropriate time, but the BSA does not mandate or necessarily encourage the leader to do so. Also, if state laws are more limiting, they must be followed.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Information about the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) may be found at http://www.hhs.gov/ocr/privacy/ .

Thursday, May 23, 2013

Understanding the Risks of Changing Boy Scouts of America's Membership Policies

This is a very interesting video explaining the current situation with BSA.  It is a good discussion to watch and think about.


Understanding the Risks of Changing Boy Scouts of America's Membership Policies


A discussion of the proposed change in Scouting membership policies, why it has many deeply concerned, and why this change is not in the best interests of Scouting or its higher purposes of teaching, mentoring and building the character of America's youth.



Sunday, May 5, 2013


REAFFIRMING SAFETY GUIDELINES FOR ACTIVITIES
Following are general guidelines for planning activities for members, especially children, youth, and young single adults.  Additional guidelines and policies are found in chapter 13, "Activities," of Handbook 2: Administering the Church and at safety.lds.org.
General Guidelines
  1. Plan activities that are safe and have minimal risk of injury or illness.  Activities that pose greater risk, such as a white-water rafting or rock climbing, should not be undertaken unless led by trained or certified guides, or in conjunction with Scout-sponsored camps or High Adventure bases.
  2. Activities should be appropriate for the participants' ages, ability, maturity, and health.  Well before the activity, instruct participants in safety practices and minimum fitness requirements unique to the activity, and observe safety precautions at all times during the activity.
  3. Be prepared for emergencies that may occur.  Know in advance how to contract law enforcement and emergency services.  Leaders who plan, conduct, and supervise activities should be knowledgeable about Church Activity Medical Assistance (CAMA) and insurance guidelines.  For more details, see Handbook 2 (13.6.9) or visit www.dmba.com/churchactivitywww.dmba.com/churchactivity.
  4. Use the parental or Guardian Permission and Medical Release form (33810) and the Activity Plan form (33809) for all out-of-area overnight travel.  These forms are available at safety.lds.org or through Church distribution centers.
  5. Activities normally should not require long-distance travel.  However, in the case of approved long-distance travel, use commercial transportation whenever feasible.  Be sure to verify that commercial transportation providers are licensed to operate and are protected by liability insurance (see http://www.fmea.dot.gov/safety-security/PCS/Consumers.aspx for more guidance.)
  6. When using private passenger vehicles, instruct drivers in safe driving practices before each outing.  Ensure that each vehicle is in safe operating condition and properly insured and that each person in the vehicle uses a seat belt.  Each driver should be a licensed, responsible adult.
  7. Ensure that two or more adult supervisors are present at every activity.  For overnight activities involving young women, two or more Melchizedek Priesthood brethren should be present.  The number of adult supervisors will vary depending on the type of activity and the maturity and number of participants.
  8. Notify the bishop and stake president promptly if an accident, illness, or injury occurs on Church property or during a Church-sponsored activity.  If the accident involves a fatality or overnight hospital stay, notify the Risk Management Division at Church headquarters (telephone 1-801-240-4049 or 1-800-453-3860, extension 2-4049).
Guidelines for Scouting Activities
Scouting functions as part of the Church's activity program for boys and young men.  As such, all adult leaders who participate in Scouting activities should be registered with and have completed Youth Protection Training from the Boy Scouts of America (BSA) or Scouts Canada through their local councils.
For mor information, see section 8.9 ("Safety") in the Scouting Handbook at scouting.lds.org.  Safety training is also available to Scouting leaders through local Scouting roundtables and other Scout-sponsored meetings.


Sunday, February 10, 2013