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Health, Well-Being, and Emergency Preparedness
Now, more than ever, we have a responsibility to our members and each other to ensure the environment in Girl Scout settings is safe for everyone. The communities we serve expect that from us. Together, these sections ensure adults are prepared for the unexpected and equipped to prevent hazards when possible and manage emergencies with confidence when they arise.
Health and Well-Being
Read GSUSA’s Child Abuse Prevention Policies and Procedures.
Physical Health
Infectious Disease Safety
The health and safety of Girl Scout members is a top priority. Stay informed on communicable diseases by following CDC guidelines, local health directives, and practical prevention habits:
- Teach proper handwashing.
- Encourage covering coughs and sneezes.
- Avoid sharing water bottles, utensils, and other personal items.
- Stay home when feeling sick.
Insect-Borne Disease
Know about mosquitoes, ticks, and other biting pests in your area or travel destination. Discuss concerns with caregivers and share prevention measures. Recommend protective clothing, such as closed shoes, light-colored socks, long pants, and long sleeves.
Learn More
- Check the CDC’s Lyme Disease web page.
- Discover how to use insect repellant safely on the EPA’s page.
Vaccinations and Immunizations
Questions about vaccination requirements and exemptions may arise regarding participation. Laws vary by state and primarily apply to school attendance. Obtain local and state guidance and follow school attendance requirements. Contact your Girl Scout council for guidance if you have questions about notifying other caregivers regarding a member’s non-immunization status.
Buddy System
The buddy system is a foundational practice in Girl Scouting—because it works! Pair Girl Scouts of similar age as buddies during trips or activities. Each buddy is responsible for staying with their partner, watching for danger, offering help, or seeking assistance if needed. Encourage everyone to stay near the group so help is readily available if someone feels unwell or gets injured.
Overnights
Prepare Girl Scouts for overnights by involving them in planning so they know what to expect. Maintain these guidelines:
- General sleeping guidelines:
- Each participant must have their own bed.
- Youth members sharing a bed require parent/guardian permission.
- Adults and youth members do not share beds, though exceptions may apply for family members in some councils.
- Having an adult in the youth sleeping area is not mandatory, but if an adult female stays, at least two unrelated adult females must also be present.
- Family overnights:
- Family events allow members of the same family to sleep together in designated areas, as long as no non-family youth are sharing the space.
- Male volunteer sleeping arrangements:
- Male volunteers must have separate sleeping quarters and bathrooms.
- Men should not pass through youth sleeping areas to access their quarters or restrooms.
- In large events (e.g., museum or mall overnights), where separation isn’t feasible, male volunteers should not supervise Girl Scouts in sleeping areas. Adjust adult-to-youth ratios accordingly.
These guidelines ensure a safe, inclusive, and respectful environment for all participants. For more detailed, situation-specific instructions, refer to the SACs for Backpacking, Camping, or Travel/Trips.
Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging
Girl Scouts is committed to a culture of belonging, welcoming individuals of all abilities and backgrounds. When Girl Scouts feel they belong, they’re more likely to voice concerns, report hazards, and engage in safety practices. Here’s how you can support inclusion and safety:
- Communicate. Discuss accommodations with participants and caregivers to ensure safe participation. Use communication formats suited to families’ needs.
- Stay flexible. Be open to evolving needs over time.
- Plan ahead. For each activity, assess accessibility and accommodation options with vendors and venues, making sure to ask about options for all ages and body types. If they are unable to accommodate your group, choose a vendor with more inclusive equipment and facilities.
- Provide reasonable accommodations so everyone can participate fully and safely. Adapt spaces, equipment, and plans as needed to include those with disabilities, all body types, and cultural or religious practices.
- Be culturally aware. Members come from diverse backgrounds, faiths, and traditions, and interest in activities may vary. Communicate openly with Girl Scouts and caregivers so they can make informed choices.
- Meet participants where they are. If your group has different levels of experience, teach to the level of the least experienced so that all can be safe and successful.
- Keep an eye on aquatics. When planning water sport activities, avoid making assumptions about abilities, regardless of background. Ensure water safety by confirming that accommodations for every comfort and experience level are available. When that is not possible, clearly communicate water safety guidelines and preparations to help participants and caregivers make informed decisions about which activities are suitable for them. Municipal pools, YMCAs, and other sites offer swim lessons for those who wish to build confidence and skills in and on the water.
- Consider costs. Be mindful of affordability—of the activity as well as any preparation or purchases—for families. Help by thrifting, borrowing, or renting, when possible.
- Educate participants. Provide clear guidance on gear, clothing, and preparation. Explain what gear is provided by the vendor, what is shared by all members, and what must be brought by each individual.
- Build trust. Foster open dialogue with families and participants.
- Leverage resources. Use links if provided in the activity checkpoints, or reach out to organizations near you. By embracing inclusion, we create safer, more empowering experiences for all.
Preparing for the Unexpected
First Aid
Be Prepared with First Aid/CPR/AED training
- Girl Scouts recommends having a first aider at all gatherings.
- Some activities require a first aider, as specified in the activity chapter.
- A first aider is an adult with current certification, as outlined below.
What Type of First Aider Is Needed?
For troop or group meetings and most activities, a general first aider—with standard First Aid/CPR/AED training—is sufficient. For large groups or remote activities, the first aider should have additional, current training and/or experience.
Setting |
First Aider Training or Certification |
Groups of up to 200 people AND access to EMS is less than 30 minutes away |
Standard First Aid/CPR/AED training as described in “What training is appropriate?” below. |
Access to EMS is more than 30 minutes away |
Wilderness First Responder (recommended) or Wilderness First Aider. These certifications include remote assessment and evacuation techniques to use when EMS is not readily available. |
Groups of 200 or more people |
An individual with advanced first aid training, certification, or experience* should be present for every 200 participants, with needs varying by circumstances. |
*Other Qualified First Aiders
Healthcare and emergency professionals can serve as first aiders if their training or licensure is current and the care required is within their scope of practice and professional standards of care. For example, a physician, physician assistant, nurse practitioner, registered nurse, licensed practical nurse, paramedic, military medic, wilderness first aider or responder, or emergency medical technician may be options for small or large groups.
First Aid Training Providers
Girl Scouts accepts standard in-person or blended (combining online instruction with in-person skills verification) certification from a recognized organization such as:
- American Red Cross
- American Heart Association
- Health Safety Institute (formerly ASHI and MEDIC)
- National Safety Council
- EMP America
- National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS)
- Other sponsoring organizations approved by your council
First Aid/CPR/AED training topics should include: |
|
Scene safety and personal protective equipment |
Choking management |
Primary assessment (ABCs) |
Burn management |
Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) |
Seizure management |
Automated external defibrillator (AED) use |
Musculoskeletal injuries |
Emergency response procedures |
Poisoning management |
Bleeding control |
Bite and sting management |
Wound care |
Heat emergencies (hypo- and hyperthermia) |
Shock management |
Breathing emergencies (asthma) |
Allergy management (anaphylaxis) |
|
Mental Health First Aid Training
Learn about mental health. Adolescence is the peak age for the onset of mental illness, yet young people are less likely to seek or receive treatment. Adults play a key role in how quickly help is sought. A youth-focused Mental Health First Aid class can help you recognize signs of mental health or substance use challenges and better understand the unique struggles teens face in maintaining mental wellness.
First Aid Kits
Ensure that a first aid kit with basic supplies is available at your group meeting place and accompanies Girl Scout members on any activity, including during transportation to and from the activity.
Purchase a commercial first aid kit or let your group assemble one themselves. There’s a First Aid badge for every program grade level except Daisy, so get your group involved! The American Red Cross offers a list of suggested items to include.
Tip: Keep key documents—emergency contacts, roster, health forms, and a blank accident/incident report—plus a pen—in your first aid kit so they’re always handy when providing care.
Health Forms and Medications
Health Forms
Collect a health history form for each participant, completed within the last year, that includes information about medical conditions, allergies, medications, and any restricted over-the-counter medications. Follow council guidelines, as local regulations vary.
Key practices:
- Keep health information confidential; only the leader and first aider should access it.
- Keep forms readily available for emergencies and responders.
Health examination forms may also be required for sleepaway camps, high adventure treks, or international travel. As with health history forms, health examination forms should be shared on a need-to-know basis only. Follow your council’s record retention policies. Check for:
- Validity: Participants often need a health exam dated no more than 12 months before the last day of the camp or trip.
- Specific requirements: Confirm details with the event organizer.
- Signatures: Ensure a licensed medical provider (e.g., physician, nurse practitioner, physician’s assistant, or registered nurse) signs the form.
Medications
- Obtain written parent/guardian permission before dispensing over-the-counter medications. Authorization and dosage for common remedies can be provided on health history or permission forms.
- Log all medications given (name, date, time, dosage); the first aider handles distribution.
- Ensure medications are in original packaging with prescription instructions.
- Secure medications using a luggage lock or similar method, under the first aider’s control. Exception: Emergency medications (e.g., epinephrine injectors, asthma inhalers, diabetes meds) may be carried by the Girl Scout with written permission from a parent/guardian or physician.
Activity Accident Insurance
Girl Scouts provides Activity Accident Insurance underwritten by Mutual of Omaha. Activity Accident Insurance is automatic upon membership registration and applies to all adult and youth members who may become injured during a Girl Scout–approved and –supervised activity. It works like supplemental medical/health coverage and is intended to help with out-of-pocket medical expenses that may not be covered by personal insurance.
Activity Accident Insurance extends to non-members who are invited to participate in a Girl Scout–approved and –supervised activity, whether it be an adult volunteer for the day or a friend of a Girl Scout who is coming along to try out Girl Scouting.
Activity Accident coverage applies to day events, overnight trips (including camp), and international travel. A summary of these coverage types for each category can be found in Mutual of Omaha’s Comparison Chart.
Responding to Emergencies
It’s essential to follow council protocols for serious incidents. Being prepared helps you respond effectively.
During planning:
- Learn your council’s steps for accidents and incidents. Share the steps and emergency contact info with other adults in your group.
- Organize health history records, permission forms (with permission to treat), and caregivers’ contact information.
- Know the emergency action plan (EAP), whether it’s developed by you or the site you’re using. See guidelines for EAPs.
- Assign a first aider and check first aid kit contents.
- Keep a copy of your council’s accident/incident report form with you.
- Understand Activity Accident Insurance.
Minor Accidents and Illness
Follow these guidelines for accidents and illnesses that don’t threaten life, limb, or ongoing health:
- Have the first aider care for the victim according to their training.
- Notify a parent/guardian. Arrange for them to pick up the youth if they are not able to continue with the activity or if they’re likely to be contagious.
- Log any medications, treatment, etc., as described in Health Forms and Medications, above.
- Complete an Accident/Incident Report form and provide to your council if necessary.
- Offer the family information on filing an Activity Accident claim with Mutual of Omaha for related out-of-pocket medical expenses that may be covered.
- Contact your council and follow the Activity Accident claim reporting process, which includes assisting the family with completing and submitting the electronic Claim Form to your council.
- Council staff will sign and submit the Claim Form to Mutual of Omaha.
Serious Accidents and Medical Emergencies
At the scene:
- Attend to the injured or ill person(s). The first aider should provide care within their training and follow emergency personnel instructions.
- Call 911 or other emergency services. Provide the victim’s health history, permission form, and incident details.
- Ask a responsible adult to move non-injured individuals away from the scene and calmly supervise them.
- One adult should accompany the victim to the hospital while others stay with the group. It’s okay to suspend supervision ratios in emergencies. Plan to get the others settled or back home.
- Contact your council and follow their instructions. They will arrange for help and contact parents/guardians as needed.
- Complete a thorough Accident/Incident Report and collect key information:
- Exact time and location of the incident
- Incident description
- Names and contact info of those involved
- Names and contact info of witnesses
After the incident:
- Offer the family information on filing an Activity Accident claim with Mutual of Omaha for related out-of-pocket medical expenses that may be covered.
- Contact your council and follow the Activity Accident claim reporting process, which includes assisting the family with completing and submitting the electronic Claim Form to your council.
- Council staff will sign and submit the Claim Form to Mutual of Omaha.
Important
In the event of a fatality or other serious accident, notify police immediately.
A responsible adult must remain at the scene until they arrive; follow authorities’ instructions.
If there is a fatality, do not disturb the victim or surroundings.
DO NOT speak with the media. The council representative will handle that. DO NOT share accident information with anyone but the police, your council, and insurance representatives or legal counsel if necessary.
Emergency Action Plans
An Emergency Action Plan (EAP) or Safety Management Plan (SMP) helps you anticipate potential emergencies, outline necessary steps and resources, and communicate the plan to others.
Many facilities, such as public pools and overnight camps, will have established EAPs. However, when leading an activity or trip, the responsibility for creating and implementing the plan may fall to you.
Start an EAP by documenting answers to the three safety management questions discussed earlier:
- Risk. What dangers or risks are associated with this activity?
- Prevention. What can we do to prevent those dangers?
- Response. What will we do if something happens, despite our plans?
Then follow these steps:
- Gather key information. Collect essential details that will be helpful in a crisis, such as:
- Contact information for emergency services
- Address and phone number of the activity location
- Council emergency contact
- Participant roster with parent/guardian info
- Any other relevant data
- Think through possible scenarios. Consider emergencies that could occur during your outing. Start by identifying the types of emergencies that might happen and assess which ones are most relevant to your activity and location.
- Learn from common emergencies. While every activity and setting will be unique, using common emergency scenarios as examples can help guide your thinking and preparation:
Type of Emergency | Prevention Examples | Response Examples |
Medical emergency | Take care of yourself; stay hydrated; check in on each other. | First aider and kit handy; cell phone to call EMS if needed. |
Injury | Follow instructor directions; use safety gear. | First aider and kit handy; cell phone to call EMS if needed. |
Weather-related crisis | Monitor forecasts; be aware of surroundings. | Be ready to leave the area; know the lightning safety position. |
Fire—structure or wildfire | Follow safe practices for cooking and campfires; monitor for alerts when in the backcountry; hold fire drill. | Use fire suppression tools, such as extinguishers or blankets; follow evacuation routes. |
Missing or lost person | Maintain the buddy system; do regular head counts. | Participants know to stay put in the wilderness and wait for help. |
Active shooter or other threat | Be aware of surroundings and other people. | Adults follow FBI’s “Run, Hide, Fight” or similar active shooter response training. |
- Name roles and responsibilities. List predetermined emergency role assignments showing who does what in the event of an emergency. For example, the leader stays with the group while the co-leader calls for help and coordinates the arrival of emergency services. Agree on this ahead of time to help you be calm and prepared if an incident occurs.
- Make an exit strategy. Be aware of all emergency exits and/or evacuation plans. Discuss and rehearse with participants, as appropriate for the setting.
- Set a meeting place. Choose a designated spot in case the group or an individual becomes separated from the group.
- Decide on a communication method. If camping or backpacking, consider a whistle or air horn. In town, a group text might work best. Make sure each person knows what to do if alerted.
- Share your plan. Think about who needs to know your EAP and share it with them. Distribute the written plan to other adults, including someone who is not on the outing. Verbally remind group members of rules to follow, like the buddy system, and what to do in unexpected situations.
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