Accident and Incident Policy
Guidelines for dealing with Accidents and Emergencies for RunVerity Coaches, Leaders and members.
During outdoor running sessions, it is recognised that in spite of all reasonable precautions accidents can still occur during activities. Especially when running in a tight group and in the dark. As such, the following policy and procedures are designed to:
Provide fast, safe and effective help to all concerned
To supply RunVerity and UKA with the specific information it needs
To protect:
The individual(s) concerned;
The RunVerity Run Leader
RunVerity
For Members
Before Group
Please can RunVerity members inform Coaches or Run Leaders of any issues that they feel may impact on the group run before the setting off.
Static Hazards
It is a good idea to call to the runners behind you about any hazards coming up, as you may be obstructing their view of the way ahead. Just calling, for example, a warning of any roots, holes, sticks, steps, logs, low branches, to watch your head on the bridge, sign posts, lamp posts, cars on the pavement, ice, slippery surfaces, or even just exclaiming “bollards!” may save someone from a nasty accident.
Moving Hazards
When you hear or see a vehicle, bike or horse or person on the same road or path as runners, call to your fellow runners to make them aware. Also, calling “keep right” may help.
Horses with riders: the front runner should ask the rider if it is safe to run past and the other runners should take their cue from him/her. If in doubt, walk.
Take care when crossing roads.
Do not follow fellow runners into the path of moving vehicles. The person in front of you may be thinking only of their own safety and not yours.
Darkness: be seen – wear reflective clothing, bands or jackets.
Avoid running in the road.
Run in well-lit areas with footpaths.
Make sure you have ICE (in case of emergency on you)
Keep right when running
For Run Leaders
RunVerity Run Leaders must recognise that the reporting of all Near Miss occurrences is also vital for the future safety of all individuals; as such information helps others to plan and prepare in order to avoid possible dangers.
RunVerity Run Leaders must also be aware of the legal obligation to record all injuries or accidents.
Policy
Every reasonable action must be taken to ensure the safety of runners, members of the public and run leaders whilst carrying out running sessions
Whilst attending one of our run sessions runners, all RunVerity member’s are adults and are ultimately responsible for their own actions. Accidents and injuries should be minimised by carrying out standard RunVerity procedures in accordance with UKA and ensuring that
Runners are shown the correct running techniques
Carry out regular risk assessments on the running routes and act on those assessments by informing runners to move away from the risk
Always carry a mobile phone
Accident and Incident Procedures
Remain calm – walk to the injured person
Evaluate the situation while approaching
Maintain your own safety
Protect the casualty and other people from further risk
Remove other runners from around the injured party
Give reassurance and comfort to the injured runner
The Coach/Run Leader will normally handle the incident after assessing the casualty and taking the necessary actions that benefits the situation by following these guidelines
Minor injury will be dealt with and the casualty will probably be able to return to training
Injuries that prevent the casualty from continuing training will be re-assessed and treated within the clinical ability of the Coach/Run Leader
If the injury is beyond the capability of the instructor or it is deemed the casualty require hospitalisation, then 999 will be called for the Emergency Services to attend and transport the casualty to hospital
Instruct a RV member to continue running in a loop whilst the casualty is assessed.
If the casualty is deemed unfit to continue with the session but not injured enough to call emergency services, they must be walked back to the car park; their emergency contact person contacted if unable to drive. The rest of the group will continue to loop back to the injured party.
Discontinuing of the session will be a judgement call after an assessment of the incident and action required i.e. if emergency services need to be called.
If several people are injured, deal with those who will benefit most from immediate treatment
Watch out for shock
If hospital treatment may be needed do not give the casualty food or drinks
If in doubt, call for appropriately qualified assistance giving clear and accurate information about the incident.
If the accident occurred outside, keep the injured party warm
Do not transport the injured in your own car
Advise the emergency services of any declared/advised medical conditions of the runner
Incident Reporting
It is important that all accidents, injuries or dangerous occurrences are reported by the quickest and practicable means.
A factual report, including any statements taken, should be forward to Verity using the Accident & Emergency Report Form (available on request) no later than 24 hours after the incident.