Health, Environmental, and General Safety Brief

2010 National Scout Jamboree

July 26–August 4, 2010

Fort A.P. Hill, Virginia

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Inform jamboree Scouts, leaders, and staff of the potential health, environmental, and general safety concerns, and the

individual countermeasures necessary to assure personal safety and health.

Purpose

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Health Concerns

• Influenza– High fever (greater than 101 degrees) – Headache– Muscle aches– Extreme tiredness– Dry cough, sore throat, runny nose– Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea

• Food and water-borne diseases– Diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps

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• Upper respiratory infections– Coughing – Sore throat– Congestion

• Drug-resistant staph infections (MRSA)– Red swollen area with pain and pus drainage

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Health Concerns

• Seasonal influenza vaccination

• Wash hands frequently – Soap and warm water is preferred– Use alcohol-based hand gel if water is unavailable

• Use “cough etiquette”– cover mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing with sleeve

or tissues– Avoid touching your mouth, nose, and eyes

• Disinfect commonly used items– Phones, keyboards, handrails, door handles

Personal Protective Measures

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Personal Protective Measures

Worst BestBetterNot Good

Cough Etiquette

Personal Protective Measures• Maintain a healthy lifestyle– Exercising, resting, and eating balanced meals maintains

the body’s ability to fight infection

• Do not share personal items

• Maintain six-foot separation when possible

• Sleep head-to-toe in common area billeting

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Proper Foot Care(prevent blisters)

• Wear broken-in boots/shoes for walking

• Keep feet clean and dry

• Wear socks; change frequently if necessary

• Use foot powder

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• Bathe daily (use unscented products)

• Wear shower shoes to prevent athlete’s foot

• Dry thoroughly after showering

• Wear clean, dry uniforms and change socks daily

• Oral health—brush and floss daily

• Alcohol, tobacco, and illegal drugs are not permitted

General Personal Protective Measures

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• Eat well and stay hydrated

• Wear hat that covers ears and neck

• Proper work and rest cycle

• Wear wet-weather gear for inclement weather

• Seek prompt medical care if problem exists

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General Personal Protective Measures

Environmental Concerns

• Heat

• Critters

• Insects

• Poisonous plants

• Poisonous snakes

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Heat Injury Prevention

Unsafe Acts

The summer season can be an enjoyable time of the year, but it is also a time when the potential for heat injuries increases. Heat injuries are preventable. By following these simple recommendations, you can

decrease your susceptibility to them.

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Heat Injury Prevention

Drink plenty of water Avoid heavy meals at lunchtime Maintain a well-balanced diet Wear appropriate clothing Use sunscreen Follow recommended BSA work/rest cycles Keep areas well-ventilated Schedule outdoor activities during the cooler parts of the day Use the buddy system Monitor those at risk Use common sense

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Individual Risk Factors

• Poor fitness

• Large body mass

• Minor illnesses

• Drugs (cold and allergy, blood pressure)

• Supplements—ephedra

• Prior heat injuries

• Skin problems—rash, sunburn, poison ivy

• Age > 40

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Hydration/Salts

• Buddy system

• Follow water intake according to WBGT chart

• Electrolyte drinks—dilute if necessary

• Monitor meal intake

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Risk MitigationAvoid Heat Loading

• Modify schedule—time of day, rest

• Modify clothing—wear loose clothing

• Sit in shade whenever possible

• Cumulative—avoid active or strenuous back-to-back activities

• Cool overnight temps

• Take cool showers

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Controls• All Scouts, leaders, and staff must be familiar with heat injury

prevention and recognition

• Identify members who are high-risk

• Ensure water points are accessible and utilized

• Track wet bulb globe temp (WBGT)

• Track color flags

• Watch hydration of Scouts, Scouters, and staff

• Follow fluid replacement, work, and rest guidelines

• Keep urine clear

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Implement Controls

• Enforce policies

• Spot-check Scouts, leaders, and staff

• If one or two people suffer a heat injury, stop activities and assess the situation

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Use sunscreen—reapply frequently

Moderation—avoid extended exposure during peak hours (10 A.M. to 4 P.M.) Avoid repeated exposure

Seek medical care if severely burned

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Sunburn Prevention

Unsafe Acts

Heat Rash

CAUSESkin irritation caused by excessive

sweating in a hot, humid environment.

SYMPTOMS Appears as a cluster of pimples or small blisters on neck

and groin area, under breasts and arms, and in skin creases.

TREATMENTUse baby powder with corn starch, take a cool shower,

avoid lotions, and change clothes frequently.

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CAUSEExcessive loss of salt from the body

SYMPTOMS

Painful cramps of the major muscle groups(arms, legs, and stomach)

TREATMENTProvide cool water, rest in shade, loosen clothing, monitor

Seek medical attention if no improvement in 30 minutesor if person’s condition worsens

Heat Cramps

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CAUSEExcessive loss of salt and water in the body

SYMPTOMSProfuse sweating; headache; paleness; weakness; nausea; cool,

moist skin; tingling sensation in extremities

TREATMENTProvide water and shade, elevate feet, monitor

Seek medical attention immediately

Heat Exhaustion

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CAUSEThe body’s heat regulatory mechanism stops

SYMPTOMSHeadache; dizziness; delirium; weakness; nausea; red, hot skin;

unconsciousness

TREATMENTMEDICAL EMERGENCY—EVACUATE IMMEDIATELY!

Take to cool, shaded area; soak clothing; fan cool air; elevate feet; massage extremities

Heat Stroke

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First Aid for Heat Stroke

• Cooling is first priority—can reduce mortality from 50 percent to 5 percent

• Apply cool water compresses

• Fan

• Ice

• Massage large muscles while cooling

• Stop if shivering occurs

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Evacuation Criteria

• Vomits more than once

• No improvement after 30 minutes of rest and hydration

• General deterioration

• Loss of consciousness or mental status changes

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Water Intoxication

• History of large volume of water consumed

• Mental status changes

• Vomiting

• Poor food intake

• Abdomen distended/bloated

• Copious clear urine

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HAZARDS To prevent potential rabies exposure, avoid wild animals,

bats, and domestic animals that are unknown to you or that display strange behavior.

Critters

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Unsafe Acts

Ticks, spiders, and insects

Identify personnel who are allergic to insect bites or stings, and ensure that they have an emergency first-aid kit on hand.

• Use insect repellent (follow directions)• When camping, inspect bedding before use• Avoid sleeping or leaving clothes in damp places• Food and crumbs attract insects

Insects

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Insects

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Poisonous Plants

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Poison Ivy Oak

IF YOU HAVE:• Unusual bite• Tick bite (do not remove tick)• Multiple bites

Critters and Insects

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SEEK MEDICAL ATTENTION!

General Safety Issues

• Buddy system

• Lightning

• Driving and pedestrian safety

• Bike safety

• Running or jogging

• Hearing conservation

• Eye protection

• Blood and bodily fluids

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Buddy System

• Always have a buddy

• Check-in at least once mid-day

• Let others know where you plan to be

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Lightning Safety

• When thunder roars, seek cover immediately

• Lightning can travel five to 10 miles

• Get into an enclosed building, if you can

• Stay away from tall, isolated objects

• Avoid open fields

• If in an open area, crouch down on the balls of your feet

• Listen to WBSA for weather reports

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Driving/Pedestrian Safety

• Driver will make a 360-degree vehicle check every time before driving

• Driver must obey posted speed limits

• Remember—pedestrians have the right-of-way

• No vehicles allowed on Thomas Road

• Cross only at traffic control points

• Beware of pedestrians when driving

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Bike Safety

• Must wear a reflective belt (or vest)

• Must wear approved protective headgear

• Wearing headphones, earphones, or other listening devices while bicycling on or adjacent to roadways is prohibited

• Operable head and taillights are required during hours of darkness or reduced visibility

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Recreation Safety

• Joggers will run facing traffic

• Jogging is not allowed on A.P. Hill Drive

• Jogging is not allowed between sunset and sunrise

• Wear a reflective belt

• In-line skates, skateboards, etc. are prohibited

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Hearing Conversation

COUNTERMEASURES• Have your hearing protection with

you at all times, and use it.

• Be sure your ear plug or muffs fit properly and are in good condition.

• Avoid noise or limit time around noise to only critical tasks.

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Loud noises cause permanent hearing loss.

Eye Protection• Preventive measures and eye protection

– Contact lenses should not be worn in environments where exposure to smoke, toxic chemical vapors, sand, or dust occurs

– Use eye protection when in any environment potentially hazardous to eyes

• Safety goggles or spectacles with side shields

• Chemical splash goggles

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Blood and Bodily Fluids

• "Universal precautions" is the name used to describe a prevention strategy in which all blood and potentially infectious materials are treated as if they are, in fact, infectious, regardless of the perceived status of the sourceindividual.

• In other words, whether or not you think the blood/body fluid is infected with blood-borne pathogens, you treat it as if it is.

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Stress Concerns

• Recognize the symptoms of stress and depression

• Seek or encourage help

• Take steps to reduce stress

• Sleep deprivation can lead to impaired judgment. Strive for eight hours per 24-hour period for peak readiness

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Questions?

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