Emergency Procedures

Friends of Allonby Canoe Club endeavors to promote a safe environment for all paddle sports taking place within club premises and on trips away.

Emergency Procedures/Reporting of Incidents and Accidents

Friends of Allonby Canoe Club endeavors to promote a safe environment for all paddle sports taking place within club premises and on trips away. Policies are in place to promote health and safety and to minimise the likelihood of accidents and incidents. These include: risk assessment, equipment audit and maintenance, child protection and safe guarding children & young people, emergency and critical incidents procedure and the reporting of incidents and accidents.

Emergencies, accidents critical incidents:

During normal working hours at the Merseysports Centre, Crosby Lakeside Adventure Centre (CLAC) or when at Speke Pool, incidents should be reported to staff immediately and the centres' own emergency/accident procedures will be followed. Our members will assist the centre staff where appropriate. To ensure that the emergency procedure can be followed:

1. A named first aider is present at all club sessions.
2. A first aid box is available at Speke Pool and CLAC and there is one in the FOALCC equipment cage at the Merseysports centre. The first aid box in the club cage is checked monthly by the FOA Clubmark officer and the checks recorded on a sheet kept in the box. The Clubmark officer is responsible for replenishing supplies when necessary.
3. The first aider and/or head coach present at all club sessions and events have access to a telephone or radio to enable contact with the emergency services and emergency contacts.
4. Club members emergency contact and relevant medical details are accessible to coaches at all regular club sessions and events. This information is held in a box with a combination lock. Due to confidentiality issues the code is only known to club coaches. One box is held at Merseysports Centre in the club cage, another is kept at reception in Speke Pool, and a third is kept in the container at CLAC. The information is updated regularly by the Membership Secretary.
5. Membership forms must be completed for all paddlers. New members will be asked to complete a temporary membership form including emergency contact details before they are able to paddle.
6. Coaches leading trips are responsible for the first aid kit and will hold emergency contact details for all participating members. All trip participants must have the required skill level for the event.
7. Members participating in uncoached trips will all be competent to paddle at the appropriate skill level. All members will have emergency contact details with them and their own first aid kits.
8. If an incident or accident occurs, prompt appropriate action is required to minimise harm, injury or damage to persons and property. To facilitate this, laminated copies of the accident/incident procedure described below are distributed to all coaches and group leaders. It is also displayed on club notice boards and a copy is kept with the first aid box at all club venues.

In the event of an emergency/accident/critical incident:

1. Stay calm but act swiftly and observe the situation.
2. Assess and where possible make safe injured persons, other participants and the environment to ensure no further injury/danger.
3. Listen to what the injured person is saying.
4. If on water, lead coach directs rescue procedure according BCU Foundation Rescue and Safety Training.
5. The named first aider at the scene should assess the situation and administer first aid for minor injuries.
6. Do not move someone with major injuries. For specialist attention, call the emergency services on 999.
7. Other coaches and adults present should maintain safety of children or vulnerable adult bystanders.
8. If children or vulnerable adults are involved, inform their named emergency contact.
9. If a critical incident occurs involving behaviour seriously in breach of the code of conduct, the head coach will ask all involved to immediately return to dry land. The head coach and if available, one other committee member will attempt to mediate and make the situation safe. All parties and any witnesses will be asked to complete an incident form.

Reporting Accidents/Incidents:

1. An accident/incident reporting form should be completed at the scene where possible or as soon as is possible when away from club venues.
2. Forms are available at club venues in the first aid box and on the FOALCC website.
3. Completed forms should be forwarded to the Chair of FOALCC committee.
4. Coaches leading trips will keep a blank accident/incident form in their first aid kit.
5. If someone is taken to hospital as a result of the emergency/accident/incident, it is a legal requirement to record the information under the "Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 1995" (RIDDOR). These type of incidents will be reported by the Head Coach or any committee member. The report can be made to the incident centre by one of the following methods:
   • phone 0845 300 9923 (8.30am-5.00pm)
   • fax 0845 300 9924
   • internet www.riddor.gov.uk
   • email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
   • post Incident Contact Centre, Caerphilly Business Park, Caerphilly, CF83 3GG
6. Completed accident/incident forms will be discussed at the next committee meeting. Any actions points or recommendations will be documented. Named individuals will given responsibility for carrying out identified actions and recommendations.
7. The FOALCC committee will carry out an annual review of all accident/incident forms completed to identify any patterns or trends and will adjust policies and procedures when required.

Signed..W Ward  (Will Ward FOALCC Chairperson)