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

  1. Minor injury will be dealt with and the casualty will probably be able to return to training

  2. Injuries that prevent the casualty from continuing training will be re-assessed and treated within the clinical ability of the Coach/Run Leader

  3. 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

  4. Instruct a RV member to continue running in a loop whilst the casualty is assessed.

  5. 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.

  6. 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.