INFORMATION

Medication and Medical Emergency Policy

 

At River Pointe Church Camp, the health and well-being of our campers, staff, and volunteers are of the utmost importance. The "Medication and Medical Emergency Policy" ensures that all medical needs are met safely and efficiently, and that clear procedures are in place to manage both routine medical care and emergency situations. This policy outlines the procedures for administering medication, handling medical emergencies, and ensuring that campers and staff with medical conditions receive the proper care they need.

 

Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to establish clear guidelines for the administration of medications, management of medical emergencies, and the responsibilities of camp staff in addressing health-related issues. Our goal is to provide a safe and healthy environment where medical needs are met in a timely and effective manner.

 

Medication Administration

1. Medication Storage:

   - All medications, both prescription and over-the-counter, must be turned in to the camp nurse or designated medical staff upon arrival. Campers are not permitted to keep medication in their dorms or cabins.

   - Medications will be stored securely in a locked area in the Nurses Station and will be administered by the camp nurse or designated medical personnel.

 

2. Medication Authorization:

   - Parents/guardians must complete a medication authorization form prior to camp. This form must include the camper’s full name, the name of the medication, the dosage, and the times it is to be administered. The form should also specify any special instructions or medical conditions related to the medication. Medication must come in the original container. 

   - Campers or staff who self-administer medication for chronic conditions (such as asthma inhalers or EpiPens) must have this noted on their medical forms, and the camp nurse must be informed.

 

3. Administration of Medication:

   - Medications will be administered at the designated times as indicated on the authorization form. Campers are responsible for going to the Nurses Station at their scheduled time for medication.

   - The camp nurse will keep detailed records of all medications administered, including the date, time, and dosage.

 

4. Special Circumstances:

   - If a camper or staff member requires medication outside of regular administration times, the nurse will work with the individual to ensure that they receive their medication as needed.

   - Campers with severe allergies, asthma, or other chronic medical conditions must have an action plan in place, and staff must be trained to respond appropriately in the event of an emergency.

 

Handling Medical Emergencies

1. Minor Injuries and Illnesses:

   - For minor injuries such as cuts, scrapes, or minor illnesses (headaches, stomachaches), campers should be brought to the Nurses Station, where the camp nurse will provide appropriate treatment.

   - If a camper feels unwell, the nurse will assess their condition and determine if further care is necessary (e.g., rest, hydration, over-the-counter medication).

   - All minor injuries and illnesses will be documented in the camp’s medical log, and parents/guardians will be informed as necessary.

 

2. Serious Medical Emergencies:

   - In the event of a serious medical emergency (e.g., severe allergic reactions, broken bones, asthma attacks, seizures), staff must immediately contact the camp nurse or medical personnel using the fastest means of communication (walkie-talkie, phone, etc.).

   - The camp nurse will provide emergency care while additional support is arranged, and if necessary, 911 will be called. In situations where emergency services are needed, the camp director will also be notified.

   - Parents/guardians will be contacted as soon as possible in the event of a serious medical emergency, and the camp director will provide updates on the situation.

 

3. Emergency Preparedness:

   - Nursing staff will be trained on how to respond to medical emergencies, including CPR, first aid, and the use of EpiPens.

   - First aid kits will be available in key areas around the camp, including the dining hall, dorms, activity areas, and camp vehicles.

   - A detailed emergency action plan will be in place, and all staff will be familiar with the procedures for responding to medical emergencies.

 

Medical Conditions and Allergies

1. Allergy Management:

   - Campers with known allergies (food, insect stings, medications) must disclose this information during registration, and parents/guardians must provide any necessary medications (e.g., EpiPen, antihistamines).

   - The camp nurse will keep all allergy-related medications on hand in the Nurses Station and ensure they are accessible in case of an allergic reaction.

 

2.  Chronic Medical Conditions:

   - Campers with chronic medical conditions (e.g., asthma, diabetes, epilepsy) must provide a detailed medical action plan that outlines symptoms, treatments, and any specific care instructions. This information will be shared with relevant staff members to ensure the camper’s safety.

   - Campers who require specific equipment (e.g., inhalers, insulin pumps) must bring these to camp, and staff will be trained on how to support the camper’s needs.

 

3. Communicating Medical Concerns:

   - If a camper or staff member begins to experience symptoms related to their medical condition (e.g., shortness of breath, dizziness, blood sugar issues), staff must immediately notify the camp nurse and follow the pre-established action plan.

 

Handling Infectious Diseases

1. Identifying Illness:

   - If a camper or staff member shows symptoms of a contagious illness (e.g., fever, vomiting, rash), they will be isolated from other campers and assessed by the camp nurse. Parents/guardians will be contacted, and the camper may be sent home if necessary.

   - Staff will monitor for signs of widespread illness, and the camp nurse will notify camp leadership if further action (e.g., increased sanitation, quarantining) is needed.

 

2. Preventing the Spread of Illness:

   - Campers and staff are encouraged to practice good hygiene, including regular hand washing, using hand sanitizers, and covering coughs/sneezes.

   - In the event of an outbreak (e.g., flu, gastrointestinal illness), camp leadership will notify parents/guardians and take appropriate measures to minimize the spread of the illness. This may include increased cleaning, limiting certain activities, or sending campers home.

 

Emergency Evacuation for Medical Reasons

1. Evacuation Procedures:

   - If a camper or staff member requires immediate transportation to a medical facility, the camp nurse and director will arrange for transportation by ambulance or private vehicle, depending on the severity of the situation.

   - The camper’s medical information and medications will accompany them, and a staff member may accompany the camper to the hospital if parents/guardians are not immediately available.

 

2. Notifying Parents/Guardians:

   - In the event of a medical evacuation, the camp director will contact the camper’s parents/guardians as soon as possible and provide regular updates on their condition and care.

 

Documentation and Record Keeping

1. Medical Logs:

   - The camp nurse will maintain a detailed medical log that includes records of all injuries, illnesses, medications administered, and any incidents requiring emergency care. This log will be reviewed regularly by camp leadership.

   - All medical emergencies will be documented with a detailed incident report, which will be kept on file for future reference and compliance with health regulations.

 

2. Parental Consent and Authorization

   - Prior to camp, parents/guardians must complete and submit all necessary medical forms, including consent for medical treatment, medication administration, and emergency care. These forms will be kept on file in the Nurses Station for easy access during the camp session.

 

Conclusion

The "Medication and Medical Emergency Policy" at River Pointe Church Camp is designed to ensure that all medical needs are handled safely, efficiently, and in accordance with best practices. By following these guidelines, we can provide a healthy and secure environment for campers, staff, and volunteers, ensuring that medical conditions and emergencies are addressed promptly and effectively. Camp staff and volunteers are responsible for upholding this policy and prioritizing the health and safety of the camp community.