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.
In case of serious incident, illness,
accident or injury:
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Determine extent of injury and give
appropriate first aid, as qualified.
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Call for emergency help.
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Alert Girl Scouts Western
Pennsylvania at:
800-248-3355 Mon.-Thur. 9 a.m.-5 p.m.,
Fri. 9 a.m.-noon
877-359-7878 (after business hours) -
Speak only to the police and proper
authorities. Do not say “No Comment” or release names or
statements to anyone.
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Refer all inquiries to the council
spokesperson at:
Girl Scouts Western Pennsylvania
Corporate Office: 800-248-3355 -
Do not sign any statements or
reports, except for police.
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Upon returning home, complete an Accident/Incident Report.
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 child 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. 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 these representatives.
In the event of a fatality or other serious accident, notify the
police. A responsible adult must remain at the scene at all times. In
the case of a fatality, do not disturb the victim or surroundings.
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.
Accident/Incident
Report Form
Insurance Claim Procedure
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. 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.
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:
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Know what to report. See the
“What To Do If... There is an Accident” section above.
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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.
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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.
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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.