APPENDIX D

SAFETY AND EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT PROTOCOL

BRIEF

This protocol is a system for both the prevention and management of incident and accident situations which may arise during the course of instruction and field work in both front and backcountry environments. A backcountry environment is one which is further than 30 minutes from the vehicle on foot, skis or snowshoes. This system will be used by both instructors and students who enter the field on course related studies.

THE SYSTEM COMPONENTS

Safety and Emergency Management Protocol will follow current Occupational Health and Safety Regulations. The system is divided into two components; one for use by staff and the second for use by students.

Safety and Emergency Management Plan for Staff

The staff component is comprised of the following:

• The protocol brief
• Pre-trip report
• Accident assessment form
• Accident report form
• Post-trip report

   

  Safety and Emergency Management Plan for Students

• The student component is comprised of the following:
• The protocol brief
• Pre-trip report
• Accident assessment form
• Accident report form

First Aid Qualifications

One Occupational First Aid Level 1 Attendant will be present on all field labs. Instructors teaching outdoor skills in backcountry locations must have current Wilderness First Aid Advanced for Leaders.

Department Safety Equipment

College vehicles must carry a First Aid kit and safety equipment as specified by the WorkSafe BC. Instructors in backcountry locations will carry the WorkSafe BC Basic First Aid Kit.

Safety equipment (e.g., climbing ropes) is not to be signed out for unsupervised student use. A list of this equipment is posted in the Equipment Room.

INSTRUCTIONS FOR STAFF USE

Single day field trips in front country locations

The instructor must have at all times, a first aid kit, including the safety and emergency management protocol brief, incident/accident assessment and report forms.

Single day field trips in backcountry locations and multi-day trips

The instructor must file the pre-trip report with the School Chair and include a copy to the School Faculty Assistant. A first aid kit must be carried at all times including the safety and emergency management protocol brief and the incident/accident assessment and report forms. The post-trip report must be filed with the School Chair within two days of completing the trip.

All field trips

The School Chair or the designated contact person must be notified immediately upon return; either by phone or in person.

INSTRUCTIONS FOR STUDENT USE

* When students, without the supervision of an instructor, enter the field on course related studies.

Single day field trips in front country locations

Two students are the minimum number per group on front country outings. The students must have a first aid kit, including the safety and emergency management protocol brief and the incident/accident assessment and report forms. Check in procedures must be established by the students and approved by the instructor before departing on the trip.

Single day trips in backcountry locations and multi-day trips

Four students are the minimum number per group on backcountry outings. The students must file the pre-trip report with the class instructor prior to departure. A first aid kit including the safety and emergency management protocol, incident/accident assessment and report forms are to be carried at all times. These forms will be available in the Equipment Room. Check in procedures must be established by the students and approved by the instructor before departing on the trip.

The instructor or designated contact person must be notified immediately upon return; either by phone or in person.

SAFETY AND EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT PROTOCOL FOR ENVIRONMENT AND GEOMATICS SCHOOL STAFF

TERMINOLOGY

Incident

• *Any close call where no injuries occurred but where an emergency situation was potential. OR
• *Where a person requires first aid but is able to continue the trip.

   

  Accident

• *When a person receives an injury requiring more than basic first aid management and is unable to continue the trip due to this injury.

ON-SITE MANAGEMENT

1. Protect the class from further hazards. This may mean directing the uninjured persons of the class to a safe location while you manage the situation at the initial site.
2. Assess the injuries.
3. Apply first aid within the limits of your training and record information on the incident/accident report form.
4. Transport the injured person. Consider transportation to another location if it will increase the safety and comfort of the injured person and/or the rest of the class.

NOTE:     Due to on-site hazards it may be necessary to transport the injured person to a safe site prior to secondary assessment, splinting and bandaging.

CONSIDERATIONS FOR ACCESSING OUTSIDE ASSISTANCE

Outside assistance is to be obtained only when you cannot manage the situation with the resources available to you.

• *Do not take unusual or extraordinary risks when accessing outside assistance.

   

  Consider the requirements of additional help:

  • Weather conditions and time of day.
  • Time required mobilizing a rescue team.
  • Hazards to the rescue team.
  • Recommended travel plan to rescue location.
  • Recommended rescue plan and needs (e.g., helicopter, search dog, vehicles, equipment).
  • Shelter/camping for rescue personnel.

   

• *Use the accident assessment form to assist in your organization and information recording.

   

  When outside assistance is required:

  • Unless there are extenuating circumstances, the instructor will send the assistant instructor and one student for assistance: with appropriate equipment, clear travel instructions, and a written rescue plan.