Behaviour in the event of accidents
Leaders are able to react correctly to minor injuries in the hall and on the field even without a checklist. Events that lead to serious injuries can cause perplexity or even shock among participants and leaders. Those who stick to a checklist in such situations proceed according to plan and are sure not to forget anything essential. The individual steps are:
1. situation assessment: gain an overview (look) - think - act
Calmly assess the accident situation and take the necessary measures.
What has happened? Who is involved? Who is affected? How many patients do I see?
What equipment is available? How do I raise the alarm?
What dangers are present (dangers for me and the patient)?
How do I secure the accident site (self-protection, ensuring safety)?
2. secure the accident site
If necessary, cordon off the scene of the accident (avoid secondary accidents), organise the deployment of helpers, designate persons responsible for supervising and/or occupying bystanders.
3. provide first aid
Positioning, taking immediate life-saving measures, monitoring injured persons, creating a patient protocol if necessary.
Assessment of vital functions:
Consciousness (check by responding, questioning, touching, clamping):
No → ABCD scheme.
Yes → Stabilise the cervical spine. Examine patient, stop bleeding immediately. Position and assess patient accordingly.
Findings and assessment:
Unconsciousness → Unconscious position stable, head position extended and downwards, perform gently
Consciousness → Extend head, 2 breaths, then check breathing (hear, see, feel), continue breathing if necessary (10-12 x 0.5-1.0 l/min).
Cardiac arrest, circulatory arrest → CPR (30 chest compressions / 2 rescue breaths).
Bleeding → Lay patient flat, elevate injured body part, apply pressure bandage, immobilise patient.
Shock → Position flat, no unnecessary repositioning.
Asthma attack → Raise upper body in the shade (45°).
Heat stroke, heart attack → open clothes, cool additionally in case of heat stroke.
Vortex injuries → Water: transport with forehead/neck grip; Land: do not change position, stabilise cervical spine in both cases.
4. raise the alarm
Decide who alerts whom (doctor, ambulance, police, rescue team, air ambulance) and how. In the event of serious injury or death, always inform the police and possibly a chaplain.
Important telephone numbers:
REGA/rescue column: 1414
Radio: 161.300 MHz (e-channel)
Cantonal police: 117
Emergency medical call: 144
Tox. Centre (poisoning cases): 145
Fire brigade: 118
Report correctly with W questions: (write down details before picking up the phone)
Who is reporting?
What happened when?
Where did the accident happen (coordinates, meeting point with prominent point)?
How many people are injured and how?
Where do I report from?
What is the telephone number for callbacks?
5. patient care and monitoring
Weather protection (e.g. woollen blanket), reassure patient, regular ABCD checks, ensure instruction.
6. secure traces
Note down the names and addresses of witnesses, mark the location of injured persons and objects, do not cover up any traces (can take the pressure off the management team), record the event (possibly make a sketch).
7. ensure information
Inform the club management and/or the Y+S coach and relatives (possibly via the club manager, doctor, priest) as quickly as possible. Report serious cases immediately by telephone to the cantonal Y+S office (details: personal details, accident description, measures taken).
8. discuss further measures
Discuss and decide on programme changes, possible cancellation of the camp/course in the leadership team, inform participants about the incident and further measures.
