Handling an Incident on Your Trip

Handling an Incident on Your Trip

Things to do before, during, and after an incident on your trip.

Before your trip: Preparation

  1. Leaders, ensure that trip participants and their families understand that trips can be delayed for a number of reasons.  Remind them that the group has the training to deal with unforeseen circumstances. Provide the expected return time. Provide a phone number and the time after which it is appropriate to call with concerns. For Mountaineers activities, emergency contacts should call the Mountaineers Emergency Line at 206-521-6030.
  2. Participants, choose an emergency contact and give instructions as to when and who to call if any concern develops due to a late return or emergency message. 
  3. Everyone, check that the party has equipment to handle unexpected emergencies that could occur on your trip.
  4. Everyone, write down and carry any specific emergency numbers you might need.  For Mountaineeers trips, note the Mountaineers Emergency Line at 206-521-6030. The person answering this phone has the training and experience to respond appropriately.

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During An emergency: Response

  1. ATTEND to any patients and make a plan.
  2. CALL for assistance … Call 911 to reach  the appropriate agency (County Sheriff, National Park Ranger, Coast Guard). Out of cell phone range? Use Personal Beacon or Satellite Communicator.
  3. Finally, NOTIFY the Mountaineers Emergency Line at 206-521-6030.  The Mountaineers will use trip roster information to inform the designated emergency contacts of each of the participants.

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After an Emergency: Follow-up

  1. Leader submits an Incident report.
  2. Participants complete trip survey which contains a section for describing any safety concerns or directly filing a participant incident report.
  3. Safety Committee members follow up by contacting the leader and participants as needed.

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