Health and Safety

Revised Tour Plan Policy - January 2, 2012

Despite the intention of a seamless transition to the new tour plans, it became evident that our leaders were both concerned, and somewhat confused, about how to apply our council's tour plan filing requirements. We heard you! The following revised tour plan requirements resulted.

Longs Peak Council Tour Plan Information and Guidelines

Guide to Safe Scouting

Longs Peak Council Addendum
    Safe Swim Defense
    Swimming in Moving / Flowing Water

1. In all water activities in moving / flowing water where the water depth is at knee level or above of the shortest participant, a personal flotation device (lifejacket) will be worn by all participants.
2. A downstream rescue method will be put into place while all water activity is taking place. Examples of methods to be used might be: (a) positioning a shore lifeguard with throwable rescue gear / line, (b) stationing lifeguards in a boat with throwable rescue gear / line, or (c) some other method that will allow rescue to take place for a person being swept downstream by the current.
3. Jumping or leaping from shore or afloat into moving / flowing water will not be allowed.

 

Age-Appropriate Guidelines for Scouting Activities

Youth Protection Training

Youth Protection Training for Adults is available online at the BSA's Online Learning Center.

• Longs Peak Council Child Abuse Reporting Requirements

Tour Planning

• Longs Peak Council Tour Plan Information and Guidelines (formerly called Tour Permits)
• Wilderness Use Permits - Scout groups using some Wilderness Areas must obtain a "Visitor Use Permit" prior to arrival. (more info)

Health & Medical Forms

• In the Longs Peak Council there are several health and medical forms, and each has a different use.

Outdoor Safety

Be Prepared

Enjoy our magnificent mountain adventures, but help ensure the safety of our youth and adult leaders with appropriate training, planning, and equipment.

For More Information on Outdoor Safety Topics

Use of Council Camps

• Scout Units using Council Camps must be accompanied by a leader trained in first aid.

The Sweet 16 of BSA Safety

The Sweet 16 of BSA Safety embodies good judgment and common sense for all Scouting activities:

1. Qualified Supervision
2. Physical Fitness
3. Buddy System
4. Safe Area or Course
5. Equipment Selection and Maintenance
6. Personal Safety Equipment
7. Safety Procedures and Policies
8. Skill Level Limits
9. Weather Check
10. Planning
11. Communication
12. Permits and Notices
13. First-Aid Resources
14. Applicable Laws
15. CPR Resources
16. Discipline

Safety Training

Insurance

• Accident & Sickness Insurance Plan - Detailed Description
  • HSR/BSA Council Accident & Sickness Plan booklet
  • Generic BSA Claim Form
  • Other HSR Claim Forms (eg National and International Events) NOTE - scroll down the page to the Boy Scouts of America Claim Forms.
• Accident and Sickness Claims - Frequently Asked Questions
• Insurance Summary for Volunteers - General Liability and Automobile Liability Coverage
• HSR/BSA Insured Coverage Certificate - Units should print a copy and take it with them on all activities.

Incident Report Form

• Use the Incident Report Form to report any incidents (eg injury, property damage, near miss, traffic accident or youth protection) that happen within your unit during any Scouting activity.

Power Tool Safety

Recently, several volunteer Scouters asked the Council Risk Management Committee to review the rules governing a Scout's use of power tools. Surprisingly, we discovered that, other than some age-appropriate guidelines (linked above) and restrictions on the use of chain saws, there were no such guidelines on the use of other power tools. The following guidelines were developed to assist unit leaders to both teach the safe use of power tools by our youth, as well as to help prevent serious injuries. We encourage every adult leader advising youth who are using power tools for Scout-related community service and Eagle Scout service projects to review these guidelines with the Scout, have the Scout sign the guidelines as a pledge to follow them, and then supervise compliance with the guidelines. Remember, safety first-and always!

 

Guidelines for Power Tool Use

Use and Rental of Inflatable Party Rides

The increased use of inflatable party rides, such as "jumpy castles" and the like, and the potential for injuries resulting from unsafe usage, prompted your Council Risk Management Committee to offer some guidelines to assist unit leaders with the rental and safe use of these fun activities. The Guidelines document contains a checklist and a sign that may be posted at the entrance to such rides.

Safety Awards

• Unit Safety Award
• Emergency Preparedness, BSA (all ages)
  
  "The emergencies of today's world demand more than ever that our young people and adults be trained as individuals and as units to meet emergency situations. This program fosters skills in our youth and adult members so that they can participate effectively in this crucial service to their families, communities, and nation."

• The BSA Ready & Prepared Award
  The BSA Ready & Prepared Award was developed to encourage and reward Boy Scout troops, Varsity Scout teams, and Venturing crews that incorporate safe practices while enjoying challenging activities.

Health & Safety Resource Links

First Aid & CPR Training Resource Links

• American Red Cross
  American Red Chapters have historically provided first aid training to citizens across the nation. Some chapters maintain websites where course schedules are listed, and other chapters must be contacted by telephone.
  Below are the chapters servicing the territory of the Longs Peak Council:
  • Centennial Chapter (Northern Colorado)
  • Mile High Chapter (Boulder County and Denver Metro Area)
  • American Red Cross of Wyoming
       307-638-8906 (Office in Cheyenne, Wyoming)
  • North Platte Valley Chapter (Portion of the Nebraska Panhandle)
       308-635-2114 (Office in Scottsbluff, Nebraska)
• Other Sources
  • Front Range Institute of Safety - Fort Collins, Colorado
       970-416-9650
• Wilderness First Aid Courses for Philmont
  These courses meet or exceed the new 2007 Philmont wilderness first aid requirement:
  • American Red Cross Wilderness First Aid (see links above)
  • Wilderness Medical Associates
  • Stonehealth Open Learning Opportunities
  • NOLS - Wilderness Medicine Institure
  • National Safety Council
  • Wilderness Medical Society
  • Wilderness Medicine Training Center

Fire Safety Resources

• Fire Safety Educators of Colorado
• National Fire Protection Association - Sparky The Fire Dog
• Smokey Bear
• US Fire Administration - Kids

Last Updated Tuesday, 24-Jan-2012 11:21:56 MST