Backcountry Emergency Procedures

Also see Risk Advisory

Fatality

If there should ever be an accident of fatality in a Oyo High Adventures program, at Camp Oyo, or involving camp personnel, the Council Scout Executive shall be the sole source of release of information to the press or parents involved. No one else shall allow information to be released to the press or anyone involved.  Access in and out of camp will be closed except to: local law enforcement and medical officials, the Council Scout Executive, or other Council officials as approved for access by the Council Scout Executive.  A report will be filed with appropriate land owners and related government agencies.

Serious Accident or Medical Evacuation

The Guide will assume immediate responsibility for the situation and will begin or continue first aid measures.  The Guide will invoke necessary means to contact Base Camp for further assistance.

Upon notification of a serious accident in the backcountry, the Camp Director and the Health Officer will be located and made aware of the situation. The Camp Director will coordinate appropriate rescue measures and, if necessary, will contact appropriate authorities to bring in Search and Rescue Crews.

Any fatality or major accident where there is the possibility of loss of life, loss of eyesight, or severed limb, the Scout Executive will be contacted by the Camp Director. The Scout Executive will notify parents/next of kin.  Otherwise, the Camp Director will notify them.

Fire

In case of a backcountry fire, the person spotting the fire must report it immediately to the Guide. The Guide will then go to the scene, access the situation, and determine whether the crew should attempt to fight the fire or evacuate immediately, erring on the side of caution.

If the crew extinguishes the fire, a report will be filed with the land owner or appropriate Ranger district upon return to Base Camp, noting the location, size, and possible causes of the fire.

If the crew is forced to evacuate, the Guide will immediately take steps to notify Base Camp of the fire, so the proper authorities can be contacted to extinguish the fire.  A report will be filed with the land owner or appropriate Ranger district upon return to Base Camp, noting the location, size, and possible causes of the fire.

Severe Storms, Tornadoes, Thunderstorms, Lightening Storms, Etc.

Upon the spotting of severe weather or the awareness of, the Guide will immediately be notified. The Guide will lead the crew in seeking appropriate shelter in a timely fashion.

River Crossings

Guides will instruct members of the crew to cross streams in as safe a manner as possible, utilizing ropes and spotters as necessary.

Missing Person

After a search of the immediate area proves unsuccessful in finding a missing person, the Guide in consultation with the crew adviser, will implement a search and rescue pattern in the person’s last known area.  The Guide will initiate steps to notify Base Camp if it is determined that outside resources are needed.  Base Camp will then contact appropriate authorities to bring in Search and Rescue personnel.