CC Guiders

First Aid: Responsibilities

Nurse or First Aider

A nurse at camp must hold a current Standard Fist Aid, St. John Amublance certificate or equivalent. The choosing of a nurse of first aider for camp is very important. The situation of camping near a doctor or hospital and being able to contact parents immediately would be different than traveling with a group or camping in an isolated area. Another factor that makes a difference is the length of the camp. If a camper becomes ill during a weekend camp she will soon return home or parents can take her home. If a camp is longer that a weekend or if traveling there is more chance of illnesses developing because of close contact with others, stressful and different living conditions and weather changes. Also an ill or injured camper may not be able to be sent home.

A camp leader should take all these facts into consideration when choosing a nurse or first aider. Age may be a factor also. A person 18 years old with first aid qualifications on staff with older leaders might be adequate for a weekend camp but might not have enough experience if all staff were young. The camp adviser should check this before signing the Permit to camp. A nurse should also have us to date first aid qualifications. Check P.O.R.

Responsibilities

1. Check Health Forms prior to camp. Check further with parents if necessary.

2. File Health forms in alphabetical order - Leaders separately. Everyone attending cam MUST submit a Health Form.

3. Prepare or check first aid kit and extra equipment needed.

4. Upon arrival at camp, collect any medications from campers. Check for name of medication, owner's name and instructions for use.

5. Lock or store all medications in a safe place.

6. Locate emergency first aid kit in an accessible spot.

7. Record collected medications, owner and instructions in notebook.

8. Chart all medications given - name, date, time, amount and sign notation.

9. Chart all illnesses, accidents, treatments and other information (called mother, doctor) giving name, date, time.

10. Arrange for medical attention if needed. Record all information. Obtain signed note from doctor re treatment, medication given.

11. Provide an isolation or quiet area for ill camper (s).

12. Be aware of what emergencies could happen at camp.

13. Check Heath and Sanitation at camp to include proper rest, personal hygiene, dishwashing, cleaning of lats and drain pits, hand washing, bowel habits. Check Safety practices.

14. Be aware of the effect of weather and program on campers. Suggest changes in program, diet if needed.

15. Long term camping - provide first aid tent or area and set it up with necessary equipment. Establish contact with local doctor or hospital emergency department.

Instruct all staff NOT to administer ASPIRIN (ASA, Acetylsalicylic acid_ to teenagers and children as it may contribute to Reyes Syndrome if there is an undetected illness.