During a recent camp, while participating in a routine scouting activity, a youth member accidentally fell backward into an unused campfire ring, resulting in a large area burn on their elbow. The campfire ring was situated adjacent to the campsite that had been reserved for the activity and there had been no prior indication of recent use.
We would like to acknowledge the efforts of the volunteer leaders, who had completed a thorough F31 Risk Assessment and secured C5 approvals for the activity. The following key findings from the incident investigation are provided not as a critique of those involved, but in the spirit of fostering continuous improvement.
Key Learnings:
· First Aid Burn Treatment: The use of cool running water for a minimum of 20minutes is a typical first treatment for most burns. In remote areas, it may be necessary to use non-potable water or natural water sources. This guidance should be included in pre-camp briefings and standard F31 risk assessment documentation to ensure all participants are clear on burn treatment procedures and the priority of burn care over any infection risks.
· Alternative Communication Methods: Due to the remote nature of some scouting activities, at times, there is potential for limited mobile coverage. Leaders are requested to review communication options ahead of time using tools such as the Telstra coverage map. If required, consider the use and feasibility of alternative communication equipment such as personal locator/emergency beacons and satellite phones.
· Fireplace Safety: We encourage inspections of all potential hazards, including unused fireplaces, in our campsite setup procedures before any activities commence.