At a recent Nottinghamshire Area Ramblers meeting, it was agreed that Health & Safety should not only be on agendas at all meetings, whether at Group or Area level, but that reporting of H&S incidents on walks should be reported up the chain of command, data analysed and then feedback provided to members so as to improve safety on walks.
Coincidentally, a related article was published in the Spring edition of Walk magazine and this is reproduced in full below:
Q: What is the best course of action if someone on a group walk feels unwell and is unable to continue?
A: First, the walk leader should stop the group and, while everyone has a break, chat privately to the poorly walker to try to ascertain their condition and anything in their medical history that might be relevant.
If this person has a partner or friend on the walk, involving them in the conversation may help with understanding whether the individual is acting in a way that's normal for them. ( Unexpected behaviour change can be a sign of a more serious condition.)
If the unwell walker is unable to chat, the walk leader should notify the emergency contact on their ICE (In Case of Emergency) card. If it's decided that the individual shouldn't continue with the walk, but they feel able to return to their home, car or public transport, come up with a plan to get them there as quickly and safely as possible.
Never send an unwell person off alone - even if they insist they wil be fine. Make sure that they are accompanied by at least two others in case ir condition deteriorates or someone gets injured. The walk leader should have a mobile number for each person returning and ask one of them to call when thry reach their destinatin.
Those accompanying the unwell walker should make sure that he or she can get safely home or to medical asistance if needed. calling for a lift taxi or ambulance as appropriate. Don't let an unwell perspon drive unless you are certain they can do so safely and ask the individual to call or message once they are at home. If there aren't two in the group who are willing to go back, the walk leader should cancel the walk and everyone should return to the start point as a group. Think about the quickest way back - it may not be the way you have come. Could you get to a point where a taxi, bus or train can take people the rest of the way?
It's always appreciated if the walk leader checks in on the unwell walker a day or two later to see how they are doing.
Also, VBR recommend that back markers should be provided with a paper map, with the leader's mobile number.
ICE cards
These cards (shown below) are available from members of the VBR Committee and should be carried on walks in a suitably accessible location such as in a wallet, purse or rucksack. Alternatives are: an ICE keyring which can be attached to the outside of a rucksack and can be located more easily; the Emergency call function on a smartphone which can be opened without entering a pin.
