Medical

INJURY, ILLNESS, AND HOSPITAL VISITS

Catholic HEART Workcamp takes all injuries and illnesses very seriously. First and foremost parents will be notified promptly should any 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. 

First aid kits are readily available at each worksite and at the school, with local emergency contacts and CHWC contact numbers listed for easy access

Each camp is staffed with a nurse. 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 requires over-the-counter medication, the camp nurse may provide recommendations; however, it is the responsibility of the youth minister or designated contact person to notify the camper’s parents, obtain the medication, and oversee its administration. The CHWC first-aid kit will not contain items such as Tylenol, cold medicine, or antacids. Please note that CHWC staff and the camp nurse are NOT AUTHORIZED to administer any medication orally, including prescription medications.

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. Staff members will pick them up and return them to the home base to rest. The nurse and CHWC staff will watch the camper closely 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 and the parent’s final decision.

A copy of each participant’s medical information is securely maintained on file and will be provided to medical personnel if hospitalization is required. On the first day of camp, the nurse reviews specific information written on all medical forms. Medical information is to remain confidential, as per HIPAA regulations. Adult leaders are legally entitled to review the information but cannot share it with anyone other than CHWC staff and medical personnel.

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

SICK CAMPER POLICY

To comply with the Bishops’ Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People, CHWC requires the following if a teen needs to stay back from their worksite:

  • 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 misses 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 on 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 the consideration of others, do not bring sick teens to camp.