BSA Guide To Safe Scouting 34416 - Hot4CAD Online

For longer Scouting events such as summer camp, jamborees,and high-adventure programs, allergy shots required formaintenance doses may be acceptable for persons who havenot had an anaphylactic reaction. Contact the appropriatemedical personnel for the event for confirmation.Ingrown Toenails, Recent MusculoskeletalInjuries, and Orthopedic SurgeryMany Scouting events put a great deal of strain onfeet, ankles, and knees. If the Scouting event is physicallydemanding, ingrown toenails should be treated within amonth prior to the event. Scouts and Scouters who havehad orthopedic surgery, including arthroscopic surgery,or significant musculoskeletal injuries, including backproblems, should have a release from the surgeon or treatingphysician to participate in Scouting events.Psychiatric/Psychological and EmotionalDifficultiesPsychiatric/psychological and emotional disorders do notnecessarily exclude an individual from Scouting events. Parentsand advisers should be aware that most Scouting events are notdesigned to assist in overcoming psychological or emotionalproblems and may exacerbate existing conditions. Experiencedemonstrates that these problems frequently are magnified,not lessened, when participants are subjected to the physicaland mental challenges of many Scouting activities.Any condition must be well-controlled without the servicesof a mental health practitioner. Under no circumstances shouldmedication be stopped before or during a Scouting activity.If the Scouting event is an overnight experience, Scouts andScouters are required to bring an appropriate supply ofmedication for the duration of the event, including travel toand from the event.Other Risk FactorsSickle-cell anemia, hemophilia, leukemia, severe blooddyscrasia, and HIV infection provide special challenges toScouts and Scouters. To plan for, prepare for, and supportthose having these medical conditions, it is recommendedthat an individual evaluation of each situation be done by theappropriate medical personnel. There may be instances whereproper medical support at the Scouting event is impossible.Under such circumstances, participation may be denied.For information on any other health issues, contact yourpersonal health care provider.ImmunizationsThe Boy Scouts of America encourages all members of theScouting community to use available vaccines to fully protectthemselves from infectious diseases that are dangerous forchildren and adults living in the United States. Inadequatelyimmunized participants are subject to identification sothat they may be located in case of a necessity for isolationor quarantine as per local public health official directives.Verification of the following immunizations is recommendedby the BSA:• Tetanus (must have been received withinthe last 10 years).• Pertussis• Diptheria• Measles• Mumps• Rubella• Polio• Chicken pox• Hepatitis A• Hepatitis B• InfluenzaMore information about immunizations, as well as theImmunization Exemption Request form, is found underScouting Safely on www.scouting.org.Protection Considerationfor Blood and Bodily Fluids(Universal Precautions)Treat all blood and bodily fluids as if they were contaminatedwith blood-borne viruses (i.e., HIV, hepatitis). Do notuse bare hands to stop bleeding; always use a protective barrier,and always wash exposed skin areas for at least 15 secondswith soap and water immediately after treating a victim.Consequently, the following personal protective equipment(PPE) is to be included in all first-aid kits and used whenrendering first aid:• Nonlatex gloves to be used when stopping bleeding ordressing wounds.• A mouth barrier device for rendering rescue breathingor CPR.• Plastic goggles or eye protection to prevent a victim’sblood from getting into a rescuer’s eyes in the event ofserious arterial bleeding.The online version of the Guide to Safe Scouting is updated quarterly.Go to http://www.scouting.org/HealthandSafety/GSS.aspx.23