Back Country Horsemen of Washington
Emergency Evacuation Plan – Trail Work Leader
Need:
Despite the inherent dangers and risks associated with equestrian recreation and involvement in volunteer trail projects, equestrians are often complacent in matters of emergency evacuation management. In order for Back Country Horsemen of Washington (BCHW) to be in compliance with the United States Forest Service (USFS) Health and Safety Code Handbook (FSH 6709.11) an Emergency Evacuation Plan (EEP) is a requirement for tailgate safety briefings. The USFS EEP is applicable for other land management agencies’ volunteer trail projects and equestrian recreation activities. Subsequently, the USFS EEP and USFS After Hours Communication guidelines were used for compiling the BCHW Emergency Evacuation Management guidelines.
Objective:
Implementation of an EEP is not only a requirement of land management agencies but is also prudent for BCHW and personal liability protection. Emergency evacuation management is critical for proper conduct in case of an injury or life threatening situation involving equestrians. Trail Work Leaders are responsible for developing and discussing field emergency evacuation procedures and alternatives in the event a person(s) becomes seriously ill or injured.
Implementation:
1) Prior to a work party conduct a tailgate briefing to insure that an EEP is in place and understood by all participants before embarking and/or leaving trailhead.
2) Follow existing land manager procedures for a Communication Plan (CP).
Trail Work Leaders must explain these CP procedures as part of the EEP briefing.
3) Develop and implement EEP and CP procedures in cases where no
emergency evacuation management is outlined. Do not rely on cell
phone coverage.
4) Participants in volunteer trail projects must complete all volunteer agreement and health release forms required by the land management agency.
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5) Participants in volunteer trail work projects must provide a name and
phone number for personal contact information required by hosting BCHW
chapter(s).
6) Participants in volunteer trail work projects under the age of eighteen not
accompanied by a parent or guardian must be required to have a
“Permission to Treat” form before the minor is allowed to participate in a
trail work project.
7) Abatement actions for Trail Work Leaders.
a. Carry an updated first aid kit.
b. Stay current on first aid and CPR training
c. Be aware of any allergies, medical conditions or other physical limitations of members in your party.
d. Carry maps and a GPS, plus be competent with their usage.
e. Have a second person knowledgeable about the area and knowing the way back to trailhead.
8) Be prepared to provide the following information when reporting a
health/injury incident.
a. Nature of the injury or illness.
b. Type of assistance needed.
c. Location of emergency with best access route – road and trail numbers.
d. Radio frequency and/or phone numbers.
e. Contact person – land management agency and/or personal.
f. Local hazards – ground vehicles or aviation.
g. Weather conditions.
h. Topography – especially in wilderness situations.
i. Number of persons to be transported.
j. Estimated weight of passengers for air evacuation.
9) Be prepared at the first opportunity to immediately provide the following information when reporting a health/injury emergency to the patient’s personal contact.
a. Nature of injury or illness.
b. Type of assistance needed and/or provided.
c. Location where a family member can meet the injured person.
d. Location of emergency or professional medical assistance and contact information.
e. Estimated time of arrival at meeting location.
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f. Disposition of trail stock and equipment that require care and transportation.
10) BCHW chapter must immediately report to the land management agency a health/injury incidence that occurred during a volunteer trail project that subsequently required professional medical assistance plus immediately report in writing a full accounting of the incidence to the
BCHW President.
11) BCHW chapter must immediately report to the BCHW President a
health/injury incidence that occurred during an equestrian recreation
activity that subsequently required professional medical assistance and be
prepared to report in writing a full account of the incidence.
The items listed above serve only as guidelines for the development of an Emergency Evacuation Plan.
BCHW Safety Committee
Revised - January 2015