COMMUNICATION WITH LOCAL EMERGENCY OFFICIALS

To further ensure safety for our camp, contact is made annually with applicable local emergency officials, such as the San Diego Police Department Northeastern Division and the San Diego Fire Department Station #37, to notify them of the camp's dates and operations and relevant scope of programming, to include the ages and number of campers being served. This is done by the Camp Director or the Assistant General Manager through phone call or by sending a letter. Our camp program relies on 911 for emergency medical transportation.

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Camp activities will only occur in places in which EMS is able to respond within 30 minutes. Only pools and beaches staffed with lifeguards shall be visited by camps. If a camper cannot continue with an activity away from the camp, call 911 for an emergency situation using the camp cell phone or an available landline at the location, or in non-emergency situations contact a Camp Director to make arrangements, such as for transportation, using the camp cell phone.

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INCIDENT/ACCIDENT REPORTING PROCEDURES

An incident/accident report form must be completed at the time of the accident or as soon as possible within the same day. The form must be filled out completely and accurately, listing all details of the incident/accident/injury/illness. Be sure to sign and date the form, and include contact information for any witnesses who are not a part of the program.

Completed forms should be turned in to the Camp Director or the Assistant General Manager immediately. For serious issues hand the form in directly. For minor issues turn the completed form into the completed forms binder.

The staff member who witnessed the incident/accident should be the person to complete the report form. It is this staff member’s responsibility to treat the participant to the extent of his/her trained abilities or to obtain treatment.

Any follow up contact with the parents/guardians will be made by the Camp Director, Assistant General Manager, or a staff member under the direction of the Camp Director or Assistant General Manager.

The below information/procedures apply to staff incidents/accidents/injuries and must be communicated to the Camp Director or Assistant Camp Director immediately. If medical care is required, a request should be made within 24 hours to expedite the process.

Incident/accident report forms must be completed for any of the following:

• Anytime a cut, bump, swelling, bleeding or bruising occurs.

• Any accident involving the head, neck, or back.

• Anytime a camper is forced to limit activity for any amount of time.

• Anytime a participant is absent from the program the day after a mishap occurred which might be remotely related to the absence – even if on the day of the mishap activities were not limited and it seemed too minor to report.

• Anytime a parent/guardian informs staff of an accident/incident that occurred at camp that staff was unaware of and did not already document.

• Anytime professional treatment is required or in the event of an emergency.

• Anytime a situation out of the normal day to day operations occurs, including near misses and any other events out of the ordinary.

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These forms are reviewed by head staff from within and outside of the Camp Department to assess when and where incidents, accidents, and injuries occur in order to develop and implement procedures to mitigate associated risks.

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HEALTHCARE PERSONNEL

SRSRC maintains contact with an experienced doctor, who has allowed us to utilize her as a resource. This doctor reviews our policies and procedures at least once every three years and is available for advice.

All camp staff must be current in First Aid and CPR/AED from a nationally recognized provider. Staff members may not work without current certification. All camp locations, whether on-site or off-site, are always within 30 minutes of access to the Emergency Medical System (EMS). It is the duty of the camp counselor to provide first aid care within the scope of certified training until EMS arrives in the event of an emergency.

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CAMP STAFF RESPONSIBILITIES AND FIRST AID SUPPLIES

Camp staff are responsible for caring for injuries and illnesses within the limits of their trained abilities. No staff member may perform any first aid care for which they are not trained or certificated. Regardless of training, all suspected injuries involving the head, neck, or back, suspected sprains or fractures, deep lacerations, or any other illness or injury that may require further examination or treatment, must be communicated to the Camp Director immediately to have the child evaluated before returning to camp activities. Seek assistance for any issue that arises that requires training above and beyond your certification. If off-site, use the camp cell phone to call the Camp Director for instructions. Call 911 immediately for life threatening emergencies, including physical and psychological.

All injuries and illnesses must be documented with either an Accident/Incident Report form. Describe the signs and note the stated symptoms of the injury or illness. Do NOT make any diagnoses. Note on the form the time that the parent was contacted. Make a copy. The copy is to be given to the parent/guardian and the original is to be retained by the camp for documentation purposes. Written descriptions of our notification policy are available for parents online in the Parent Handbook.

First aid supplies are stored in the Camp Storage Room. These may be used while on-site, as well as to refill camp first aid kits that are to be taken off-site. Prescription medication is stored in the locked Camp Storage Room. All camp staff will be trained on the use of an EPI-pen. Campers' prescribed EPI-pens will be stored in the medication boxes and will be taken off-site on field trips with the camp staff member.

Automated External Defibrillators (AED) are available at the Aviary Gym, Aviary Group Fitness Room, Aviary Pool Lifeguard Office, and the Trails Front Office. The Aquatics Director is responsible for the maintenance of the AED devices.

Each first aid kit will contain the following: gloves, gauze, bandaids, ice pack, splinter remover, triple antibiotic ointment, bee sting relief wipes, and sanitary wipes. All items are one-time use and must be discarded appropriately. Counselors are responsible for refilling first aid kits upon arrival back to SRSRC. Healthcare items are purchased at the beginning of each summer as a joint order with the Aquatics Department and at any point when the supply runs low. On Fridays, the first aid kits will be rechecked by assigned staff members who will notify the Camp Director if it is estimated that more supplies will be needed.

Always use the sanitary procedures established by the organization through which certification was obtained. An American Red Cross First Aid book is available in the Assistant General Manager's office as a resource if a refresher is needed. Always use protection to prevent disease transmission, such as wearing gloves, avoiding contact with bodily fluids and items that may be contaminated, washing your hands thoroughly after giving care, using a face mask or other breathing barrier for CPR, and keeping any of your open wounds covered. Always wear gloves when dealing with bodily fluids. Failing to use sanitary procedures may result in disciplinary action.
 

HEALTH HISTORY FORMS AND MEDICATION COLLECTION

Each year an updated Camper Health History Form must be completed and turned in prior to the camper being registered for camps. This is completed at the time of registration for the campers through CampBrain. Camp staff, regardless of age, must also fill out the Staff Health History Form each year.

Copies of completed camper health history forms will be put in each camp binder. It is the sign-in/out counselors' duty to review all health history forms on the first day of each session prior to camper arrival, obtain any missing forms, check for completeness, highlight any items of importance (such as allergies and medication), and ensure that any necessary medications have been turned in to the camp.  Ensure that both sides are signed by the parent/guardian, since this gives us permission to provide routine healthcare, dispense medications, and seek emergency treatments. In the event that the parent/guardian denies permission to treat, the parent/guardian must contact the Camp Director to obtain a waiver refusing permission to treat or the camper may be removed from the camp.

Check the expiration date of all medications. Ensure that the parent has filled out a medication form with completed instructions from the prescribing licensed physician. Medication must be in its original container with the name of the camper and the directions for use. Turn the medication in to the Camp Director immediately to ensure all paperwork and instructions are clear and complete. The medication will then be stored in a locked storage room. Make sure to take camper medication off-site when traveling on field trips. Campers should never carry their own medication, unless it is a lifesaving medication that their parent/guardian requests for their camper to carry with them. Otherwise the sign-in/-out counselor for the camp must carry the medication and must remain with the camper's group throughout the day. Non-prescription drugs must be given only with the written consent of the parent/guardian obtained on the camper's health history form and following the instructions on the medication label.

When administering medication, prescription or over the counter, it must be documented. For prescription medication, the information will be written on their medication form regarding date, time, and dosage given along with the staff member's initials. When administering over the counter medication, fill out an Accident/Injury Report form and include the name of the camper, description of the accident/injury/illness, date, time, description of treatment (including if medication was given and what dosage), and signature of staff member. This policy must be followed for all on-site and off-site camps. It is suggested that in addition to checking the camper health history form for medication administration approval that the parent/guardian be notified prior to administering medication. The follow-up section of the report is to be utilized by the Camp Director to report if injury required additional professional medical treatment. All records are kept, whether on-site or in off-site storage, for the amount of time required by our insurance provider.

Specific needs of campers must be highlighted on the health history form. The Camp Director will provide any additional information, insight, or resources in order to help camp staff provide the best care possible.
 

HEALTHCARE LOCATION

Participants requiring healthcare for injuries or illnesses will be tended to in the Camp Director's Office or Office #3 (the extra office) in the Fitness Building. These offices are suitable places for campers to rest away from other campers in a quiet and private (with supervision) space. The building is equipped with a restroom, drinking fountain, and sink. Air conditioning is also available, as well as a cot for resting. A camp staff member shall always be present whenever a camper is in either office for healthcare reasons or otherwise.
 

TREATMENT PROCEDURES 

1. Health Screening and Responsibilities

The following person(s) shall be authorized for overall supervision of the health screening of campers and staff at SRSRC Camps:

Amy Alexander, Assistant General Manager

Monica Oates, Camp Director

Jonathan Oates, Camp Director

Lauren Miller, Camp Director

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In addition, the healthcare policies and procedures are reviewed at least every three years by a licensed healthcare professional, who also may provide consultation regarding healthcare matters. This individual shall be a physician or nurse that can be reached by phone.

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Camp staff are limited in their scope to provide basic first aid care and CPR to the extent of their training. External medical and mental health care shall be sought when care is needed beyond the limits of staff training and certification. Any staff member may call 911 in the event of an emergency. When mental health care is necessary, the Camp Director will provide information regarding resources for external mental health care to camp participants as we are not equipped to handle mental health concerns.

 

The Health History Form should be checked to see if it has been signed by the parent, guardian, or adult responsible for the child, and that it is for the calendar year of the camper’s time at camp. In screening a person, identify any observable evidence of illness, disability, communicable disease, or abuse.

 

The Health History Form review shall occur within 24 hours of the person’s arrival in camp. The sign-in/-out camp counselor will check the Health History Form the first day of each session for their camp. Health History Form will be reviewed for: current medications and/or treatment procedures, dietary restrictions, allergies, physical limitations, and any other shared information that should be noted that may impact the camper's time at camp. Record on the individual’s Health History Form the following items: Any evidence of illness, communicable disease, abuse, or disability shall be referred to the appropriate personnel for evaluation and treatment.

 

2. Treatment Procedures

When using first aid for a camper, their health history form will be checked in order to provide the best and safest care that the counselor is trained to provide. A camper’s Health History Form will be checked to see if the counselor can give an over the counter medication to the camper, with the information provided by the camper’s parent, guardian, or adult responsible for the child. When over the counter medication is given, the counselor must fill out the camp medication log book. When giving any first aid treatment the counselor must fill out an incident/accident report form.

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The following are general procedures and are not all inclusive of all treatment procedures. Do not perform any first aid outside of the scope of your training through CPR/AED/First Aid certification.

 

Abrasions, Scratches, and Cuts: Control bleeding with direct pressure, cleanses with soap and water, and evaluates need for suture. If questionable, control bleeding through direct pressure, elevation, pressure bandage (in that order, pressure point may only be applied when all other measures fail and the decision is made to sacrifice a limb to save a life), bandage, and seek medical care.  A tetanus booster may be required per the individual's physician.  Antibiotic ointment may be applied to minor cuts and scrapes.

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Anaphylaxis (Severe Allergic Reaction): Symptoms can occur throughout the body. Per Medline Plus (2020), symptoms can include "abdominal pain, feeling anxious, chest discomfort or tightness, diarrhea, difficulty breathing, coughing, wheezing or high-pitched breathing sounds, difficulty swallowing, dizziness or lightheadedness, hives, itchiness, redness of the skin, nasal congestion, nausea or vomiting, palpitations, slurred speech, swelling of the face, eyes or tongue, [and/or] unconsciousness." Common causes of anaphylaxis include food allergies (ex. peanuts, tree nuts, shellfish, soy, wheat, eggs, milk), drug allergies (ex. penicillin), and bites/stings from insects (ex. bee stings) (Medline Plus, 2020). Anaphylaxis is a life-threatening emergency and 911 must be called. Keep the person calm. If the reaction is from a bee sting, scrape the stinger out with a card or similar object (do NOT use tweezers). For a known allergy, follow the instructions provided with their medication, which may involve administer Benadryl and/or an Epi-pen. Monitor for signs of shock.

 

Bloody Nose: If a camper has a bloody nose, instruct the camper to pinch their nose shut, and have the camper tilt their head down (forward). Apply ice if needed to slow bleeding, as well as place a cotton roll under the top lip.

 

Burns: Cool the burned area, unless the burn was caused by electricity.  If the burn is life threatening, then call 911. Cover the burned area, prevent infection, and minimize shock.

• For chemical burns, remove the chemical from the body as quickly as possible. Flush the burn with large amounts of cool, running water, and call 911.

• For electrical burns, call 911. The victim may have two wounds, where the electricity entered the body, and where it exited the body.  Signs of electrical burns, which can cause internal damage to other organs, include unconsciousness, confused behavior, burns on the skin surface, difficulty breathing, and weak, irregular or absent pulse. CPR and the use of an AED may be necessary.

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Cardiac Emergencies (CPR): Follow training provided by your certification course. 911 must be contacted. In general:

• Child (between the ages of 1 and 12 years of age): One set includes 30 chest compressions of about 2 inches on the lower half of the sternum using the heel of one hand or two hands and 2 rescue breaths. Pediatric pads or a pediatric setting can be utilized for children between 1 and 8 years of age when using the AED. Adult pads may also be used on children between 1 and 8 years of age if no pediatric pads are available. Adult pads should be used on anyone age 9 and older. One pad should be placed on the upper right chest just below the collar bone and one pad should be placed on the lower left side of the individual lateral to the breast. For smaller children, to avoid having the pads touch one another, place one pad on the middle of their chest and one in the middle of their upper back.

• Adult (12 years of age or older): Place the heel of one hand in the center of the chest over the lower portion of the sternum and the heel of the other hand on top of the first. After a compression, allow the chest to recoil completely before the next compression. One set includes 30 chest compressions of at least 2 inches using both hands and 2 rescue breaths. Adult pads should be utilized when using the AED. It may be necessary to shave the chest in order for the pads to stick. One pad should be placed on the upper right chest and one pad should be placed on the lower left side of the individual.

• Infants: Chest compressions are performed with index finger and middle finger if only one rescuer is responding. For two rescuers, utilize the thumb and circling hands technique.

• Sudden Cardiac Arrest fact sheet.

 

Diabetic Emergencies: With a diabetic emergency the symptoms include changes in the level of consciousness, such as dizziness, drowsiness, and confusion, as well as rapid breathing, rapid pulse, and looking and feeling ill.  If conscious, give the person sugar if they can take food or fluids.  If the person is conscious, but does not feel better after 5 minutes of taking sugar, call 911. Campers with diabetes will have a management plan to be provided by their parent/guardian. Follow their specific management plan.

 

Fainting: Fainting occurs when a person loses consciousness, sometimes due to overexertion, heat, emotional shock, or a specific medical condition. If a person faints, lower them to the ground, and elevate their feet 8-12 inches as long as no injury to their spine is suspected. Loosen restrictive clothing, monitor their airway, breathing, and circulation (ABC’s), and call 911.

 

Headache: Many headaches may be caused by stress, lack of rest or overexertion.  The person should be encouraged to drink water and rest until the headache has passed. Over the counter medication may be given with the parent’s permission.

 

Head Injury: If a head injury is suspected, providing appropriate assistance is imperative.  The victim may have spinal damage in which 911 shall be called, or they may have a concussion.  Do not move the victim if spinal damage is suspected until medical help has arrived, unless a life-threatening situation is present.  Monitor the ABC’s, treat for shock, and keep the person from moving.  If a scalp wound is present, do not apply direct pressure, as a skull injury could be present.  Please refer to the following regarding handling suspected concussions: participant concussion information sheet and parent concussion information sheet. Refer to your pre-camp training on concussions.

 

Heat Cramps, Heat Exhaustion, & Heat Stroke:

• Heat cramps can be cared for by having the camper rest in a cool area, and give the camper cool water or a beverage with electrolytes and carbohydrates (ex. Gatorade) to drink.

• Signs of heat exhaustion include normal or below body temperature, cool, moist, pale, gray or red skin, headache, nausea, dizziness and weakness, and exhaustion. For heat exhaustion get the victim out of the heat, cool the body with cool, wet cloths, such as towels, or spray with water, loosen tight clothing, and provide cool water or a beverage with electrolytes and carbohydrates (ex. Gatorade) to drink if they are conscious and can swallow fluids.

• Heat stroke symptoms include red, hot, dry or wet skin; changes in consciousness; vision problems; seizure; rapid, weak pulse; and rapid, shallow breathing. Call 911. If the victim is conscious, give him or her cool water. Minimize shock, and notify the Camp Director.

 

Jellyfish: Notify the lifeguard on duty so they may assist in providing first aid. If a camper is stung by a jellyfish rinse the area with vinegar for a minimum of 30 seconds or cover the area in a water and baking soda paste if no vinegar is available. Using gloves, stingers or tentacles should be removed while using gloves. Soak the area in hot water until the pain is relieved or 20 minutes. Notify the Camp Director, and watch for signs of allergic reaction.

 

Insect Bites & Stings: May be treated with a paste of baking soda and water, calamine lotion, etc. to relieve pain and itching. If anaphylactic shock becomes apparent monitor the ABC’s and call 911.  Notify the Camp Director so that the parent can be contacted.

 

Nasal Congestion: Over the counter medications may be given with parent’s permission. Campers with signs of communicable illness shall be sent home.

 

Nausea and Vomiting: Pepto Bismol may be given with parent’s permission. Water or a diluted sports drink may be given to keep the camper hydrated. Notify the Camp Director so that the parent can be contacted to pick up the camper.  If vomiting persists watch for signs of dehydration.

 

Scabies, Impetigo, Ringworm, etc.: Remove camper from program and contact parents as soon as possible.  Have the child go home and seek medical care to prevent the infection of other campers.

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Scorpion Stings: Seek immediate healthcare by calling 911 as scorpion venom may cause serious reactions, such as breathing difficulties and seizures).

 

Seizures: Do not restrain the person if they are having a seizure.  Keep the area clear of objects that could cause harm to the person.  Call 911. Notify the Camp Director. If the camper has a known history of seizures, additional instructions may be provided by the parent/guardian.

 

Shock: Shock occurs when the circulatory system fails to deliver blood to all areas of the body. Even if no cause of shock can be determined, shock can be recognized by restlessness or irritability, altered consciousness, pale or ashen, cool, moist skin, rapid breathing and rapid pulse.  To care for shock, provide care as trained, control any external bleeding, call 911, and have the person lie down. Elevate the victim’s legs 12 inches, unless a head, neck, or back injury is suspected, or if there are possible broken bones involving the hips or legs. Help maintain proper body temperature, and do not give them anything to eat or drink.

 

Snake Bites: Wash and immobilize the bite area. Do not have the individual walk unless necessary. Keep the bite area lower than the heart. Call 911 and notify the Camp Director. Do not apply ice. Do not try to capture the snake.

 

Sore Throat: May give over the counter medications with the parent’s permission.  If pain is severe and accompanied by redness of the throat/tonsils, notify the Camp Director so that the parent can be called.

 

Splinters: Wash with clean water and soap. Remove splinter with sterilized tweezers. Wash again. If not easily removed, notify Camp Director so that the parent can be contacted.

 

Sprains, Strains, & Fractures: Suspected sprains/strains – apply ice, immobilize, and elevate if it does not cause further injury. When writing the incident/ accident report form the counselor should note if there is limited range of motion, severe swelling, or bruising. Monitor for shock. Notify the Camp Director so that the parent can be contacted. Call 911 if the bone has broken through the skin, there is obvious deformity, or the individual is having difficulty breathing.

 

Stingrays: Notify the lifeguard on duty so they may assist in providing first aid. Soak the area in hot water until the pain is relieved or 20 minutes. A tetanus shot may be needed at the discretion of the camper's physician.

 

3. Emergency Procedures

First Aid may be administered in accordance with the current edition of the American Red Cross First Aid. For serious injuries and illness, contact 911. Contact the Camp Director who will contact the parent. If a child must be transported by EMS, a staff member shall be present during transport.