Medical and Safety Information

The alligator is my friend

He could be your friend too

If only you would understand

That he has feelings too.

The alligator laughs and plays 

He never sings the blues

I’d rather have him as my friend 

Than wear him as my shoes.

Al-i-gator

Al-i-gator

could be your friend

could be your friend

could be your friend

too.

-Mt. Hood Kiwanis Camp song

Camper Safety

Campers and counselors must stay within the designated camp area unless previously arranged with the Counselor Supervisor.

• Immediately report any missing camper to your Supervisor and/or the staff person in charge.
• Immediately report all medical emergencies to the nurse and/or staff member in charge.  All non-emergency medical incidents must be reported to the nurse between 8:00 a.m. & 9:00 p.m.
• Mandatory Abuse Reporting: Immediately report all incidences and accusations reported by the camper of physical, emotional or sexual abuse to the Programs Director. The Director will guide you through reporting the incident to the local authorities. You will be asked to fill out an Incident/Accident report the same day as the incident is reported.  Inform your Counselor Supervisor of these events as well.
• Confidentiality: The issues of confidentiality and the right of privacy are of the highest priority.  Staff, volunteers and counselors may learn certain facts about campers during the course of their time at camp.  All such information, whether of a medical or business nature, is to be considered strictly confidential and personal.

Individual and Group Photographs

Camper files have a release statement signed by the parent/guardian. Groups will be aware of those who are on the “No Photo” list.  Photos are allowed and we encourage you to capture your time at MHKC. More information around photos will be discussed at Camp.

Seizure Management

A seizure is a brief, excessive discharge of electrical activity in the brain that alters one or more of the following: movement, sensation, behavior and awareness. A seizure can look like a short period of “blanking out” to a loss of consciousness with muscle stiffening and jerking movements.

Many of our campers have seizures in their daily lives and sometimes these seizures can occur while at camp. Although this may be an unfamiliar experience for counselors, this is a normal occurrence in our campers’ lives. There are a few key things to remember if the camper(s) you are paired with does have a seizure at Camp.

1. 1. Stay calm and track time. Most seizures are brief.
   2. Protect the camper from possible hazards (chairs, tables, sharp objects, etc.).
   3. Make the camper comfortable. Cushion head, arms and legs.
   4. Call for a Camp Nurse.
   5. Help the camper sit or steer away from hazards (if non-convulsive seizure).
   6. Protect the camper’s privacy. Have the camper group and non-essential people leave the area, block the view of the person having a seizure, and/or distract others from the situation.
   7. Camp’s policy is to call 911 if someone has a seizure lasting 5 or more minutes.

Although our campers may be used to having seizures, they like to be supported during and after a seizure. They may be exhausted, sleepy, confused, angry, or embarrassed after a seizure. Remain with the camper until awareness of surroundings is fully gained and provide emotional support. Seeing a seizure for the first time can sometimes be unsettling; we will check in with you and the rest of the group at the next available opportunity. You will get further training about specific seizure needs (if any) about the camper you are paired with when up at Camp.

Handling of Body Fluids

Blood-borne Pathogens are microscopic organisms that are carried in blood and may cause disease in humans.

Universal Precautions means treating all bodily fluids as if they were infected by blood borne pathogens. While the risk of infection from several different organisms is present, the exact risk depends on a variety of factors.  Body fluids include blood, semen, drainage from cuts and scabs, skin lesions, urine, feces, vomit, nasal discharge and saliva.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is anything that is used to protect a person when there is reasonable anticipation of exposure to blood or other body fluids. PPE can be latex free gloves, protective eyewear, face shields, CPR mouth barriers and gowns.

Procedures for handling body fluids:

1. Always wear gloves if you might come in contact with urine, feces, blood, or vomit.
2. When there is body fluid present, do an initial wipe up.
3. Use 10% bleach solution and allow it to stand for ten minutes, then wipe up.
4. Dispose of all wipes and PPE used by double bagging in garbage bags.
5. Use a new pair of gloves before assisting another camper.
6. For soiled clothes or sleeping bags:
   1. Wearing gloves, remove as much body fluids as possible.
   2. Dispose of any paper towels and body fluids in a trash bag, remembering to double bag.
   3. Alert your CS/ACS immediately about soiled clothes or sleeping items and they will be cleaned.
7. Anytime there is blood present in any bodily fluid please inform your CS or ACS.

Other Common Medical Conditions And Equipment

Diabetes

There may be a camper in your group who has diabetes. A camper who has diabetes will need more considerations when monitoring hydration levels, food/calorie intake, and activity level, as well as looking for signs of low or high blood sugar levels. You will also receive more training onsite about the camper(s) you are paired with, and their specific needs, by the nurse assigned to your group.

Gastrostomy Tubes (G-Tube)

You may have a camper in your group who is fed, hydrated, and given meds through what is called a Gastrostomy Tube, or G-Tube for short. It is a small tube that has been medically placed in the camper’s abdomen and is closed by either a plug or a clip, depending on the style of G-Tube. A camper’s feedings can be done throughout the day or at night. Should you be partnered with a camper who utilizes a G-Tube, you will be given instructions on their specific needs by the nurse assigned to your group.

Mobility Aids Commonly Used at Camp

1. Wheelchairs (Power and Manual)
2. Other mobility chairs/adaptive chairs
3. Walkers/Canes/Crutches
4. Braces for extremities (sometimes referred to as AFO’s)