“An injury that doesn’t happen needs no treatment. An emergency that doesn’t occur requires no response. An illness that doesn’t develop demands no remedy. The best way to stay safe in the outdoors is to avoid getting into trouble in the first place. That requires planning, training, leadership, good judgment, and accepting responsibility—in short, risk management.
We manage risk in almost every aspect of our lives. There is risk involved in stepping out of our homes in the morning, but we go anyway. There are risks in crossing a street, catching a bus, and taking part in sports, but we find ways to minimize these risks and maximize our safety and well-being.” – Boy Scouts of America, Managing Risk
Scouts and Venture Leaders: The link below provided a wealth of great information including:
- Shared Management of Risks
- Outdoor-Oriented First Aid
- Preparing a Group to Manage Risk
- Managing Risk in the Field
- Incident Response
- Keeping Risk in Perspective
Share it with your other unit leaders, especially the direct contact Scouters.
http://www.scouting.org/scoutsource/HealthandSafety/Resources.aspx
If you feel unprepared to take youth in the backcountry you may find knowledge and confidence by taking a 16-hour BSA Wilderness First Aid course.
Have a fun and safe summer!
Yours in Scouting,
Tony Higuera
Chairman MT Council Risk Management Committee
