Medical

INJURY, ILLNESS, AND HOSPITAL VISITS

Catholic HEART Workcamp takes all injuries and illnesses very seriously. First and foremost parents are notified promptly should any minor or major injuries or illnesses occur. No one who is sick or injured is sent to a worksite. We use common sense when it comes to injuries and respond as a parent would to medical situations or illnesses that occur in one’s own home. Most minor injuries can be dealt with through supplies provided in the first aid kit. First aid kits are available at each worksite and at the school and local emergency numbers are clearly listed!

Each camp is staffed with a nurse, (sometimes two). The nurse is available at the school for minor medical problems such as scratches, bruises, bee stings, etc. The nurse logs every injury, illness, and treatment. If a work camper needs any over-the-counter medications, the nurse may make suggestions but the youth minister/contact person is responsible for informing the parents, purchasing the medication, and administering it. The CHWC staff or the camp nurse are NOT PERMITTED TO ADMINISTER ANY MEDICATION BY MOUTH. This includes prescription medication as well. The CHWC first-aid kit will not include Tylenol, cold medication, Tums, etc.

If a person is hurt or becomes ill at a worksite, the adult leader on the team is asked to call the school and inform the Workcamp staff and nurse of the situation. Any person who is sick or injured should stop working. They will be picked up by staff members and returned to the home base to rest. The nurse and CHWC staff will keep a close watch on the camper until his/her adult leader returns from their worksite.

When it is obvious a person needs medical attention because of a major problem or life-threatening injury, he/she will be driven to the local hospital emergency room or 911 will be called and the person will be transported by ambulance. Whenever possible, the camp nurse or parish contact person will accompany the person. Unless there is more than one adult leader with the team, the adult leader should not leave the team. Parents will be called immediately in this kind of situation. When a person is sent to a hospital emergency room, he/she will either be sent home or back to the school based on the physician’s assessment and evaluation, as well as the parent’s final decision.

A copy of each participant’s medical release form is kept at the camp office and each worksite. This will accompany the person to the hospital. On the first day of camp, the nurse reviews specific information written on all medical forms. Any important information the camp nurse and Workcamp staff should be aware of should be written on this medical form. All information should be updated and complete! At no time will anyone be permitted to participate in CHWC without a signed Medical Release Form! Medical information contained on each camper’s medical release form is to remain confidential, as per HIPAA regulations. You as a group team leader, are legally entitled to review that information, but cannot share it with anyone other than CHWC staff and medical personnel.

Upon arrival at Workcamp city, the HEART staff locates the closest hospital. The name, location, and phone number are clearly posted in the Workcamp Office. All emergency numbers and the address of the school are also clearly posted. This information is communicated to all adults on the first day of Workcamp.

POLICY FOR SICK CAMPERS

In order to be in compliance with the Bishops’ Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People, CHWC has implemented a POLICY FOR SICK CAMPERS.

• If one of your teens is sick and must stay back from their worksite, the policy is as follows:
  An adult from your parish must stay back to care for them. (When needed, CHWC will replace the work team with another adult).
• If the teen is sick for one full day (and missing going to a worksite), that same day they must visit a local walk-in clinic or hospital for evaluation. Depending on the outcome, a decision will be made as to whether the camper should return home.
• If a camper must return home, it will be at their expense. The adult leader from his/her group will be responsible for getting them to the airport or whatever travel arrangements are made by the parent.

On many occasions, campers are sick when they arrive at camp. Please, for your own benefit and for the consideration of others, do not bring sick teens to camp.