What to do if there is an accident:
Although you
hope the worst never happens, you must observe council procedures
for handling accidents and fatalities. At the scene of an accident,
first provide all possible care for the injured person. Follow
established council procedures for obtaining medical assistance and
immediately reporting the emergency. To do this, you must always
have on hand the names and telephone numbers of council staff,
parents/guardians and emergency services such as the police, fire
department or hospital.
To contact GSCTX to report an emergency:
- During business hours, call our main line
1-800-733-0011.
- After business hours, talk to
the Emergency Answering Service by calling our main line
1-800-733-0011, then press the indicated number to reach
them.
After receiving a report of an accident, council staff will
immediately arrange for additional assistance at the scene, if needed,
and will notify parents/guardians, as appropriate. If a Girl Scout
needs emergency medical care as the result of an accident or injury,
first contact emergency medical services, and then follow council
procedures for accidents and incidents, which may include filling out
an Accident or
Incident Report Form. Your adherence to these procedures is
critical, especially with regard to notifying parents or guardians. If
the media is involved, let council-designated staff discuss the
incident with media representatives.
In the event of a fatality or other serious accident, the police
must be notified and a responsible volunteer must remain at the
scene at all times. In the case of a fatality, do not disturb the
victim or surroundings and follow police instructions. Do not share
information about the accident with anyone but the police, your
council and, if applicable, insurance representatives or legal counsel.
To contact GSCTX to report an emergency:
- During business hours, call our main line
1-800-733-0011.
- After business hours, talk to
the Emergency Answering Service by calling our main line
1-800-733-0011, then press the indicated number to reach
them.
When calling the Emergency Answering Service number please supply
the answering service with the following: State the emergency and
degree of severity, your name, phone number and location. You will be
called right back; remain at the location and keep phone available
until contacted by GSCTX representative
Report as much information as possible to the GSCTX representative,
including name(s) of victim(s) and the parent/guardian’s emergency
phone numbers. The GSCTX representative will contact the parent/guardian.
DO NOT make any statements orally, or in
writing, which could be interpreted either as an assumption or
rejection of responsibility for the accident. Remember, notification
of kin is the responsibility of the designated GSCTX spokesperson.
Prepare a written report of the occurrence and submit it using the
online
Accident or Incident Report form and participate in another
follow-up if asked.
Property Emergencies
In the event of property
emergencies after hours (i.e., plumbing, electrical, vandalism, etc.),
contact the appropriate Site Manager or call the GSCTX After Hours
Emergency Answering Service at 800-733-0011, then press the
indicated number to reach them. Provide the following
information when calling: State your name and type of emergency,
degree of severity of emergency, your location and or name of property
and provide a phone number where you can be called right back.
Someone Needs Emergency Care
As you know,
emergencies can happen. Girls need to receive proper instruction in
how to care for themselves and others in emergencies. They also need
to learn the importance of reporting to volunteers any accidents,
illnesses or unusual behaviors during Girl Scout activities. You can
help girls by keeping in mind the following:
Know what to report. See the “What To Do If There is an
Accident” section earlier in this section
Establish and practice procedures for weather
emergencies. Know the type of extreme weather to expect in your
area (e.g. tornadoes, hurricanes and lightning). Please consult
with your council for the most relevant information for you to share
with girls.
Establish and practice procedures for such circumstances as
fire evacuation, lost persons and building-security issues.
Every girl and adult volunteer must know how to act in these
situations. For example, you and the girls, with the help of a fire
department representative, should design a fire evacuation plan for
meeting places used by the group.
Assemble a well-stocked first-aid kit that is always
accessible. First-aid administered in the first few minutes can
make a significant difference in the severity of an injury. In an
emergency, secure professional medical assistance as soon as possible,
normally by calling 911, and then administer first aid, if
appropriately trained.