Accident and Reporting Guidelines

We are thankful that accidents, illnesses or near miss incidents occurring during our club sessions are uncommon, however in the event of something occurring, it is important that we all know what our role is. The coach of the session should take whatever action they deem appropriate given the circumstances occurring at the time, bearing in mind the safety and well-being of everyone in the group as a priority.

Setting Off

• Before setting off make sure the lead coach has briefed the attendees on the route and of any known risks presented on the evening.
• Routes are always advised in advance, and members should be encouraged to familiarise themselves with the route before attending the session.
• Runners should be advised to carry a phone, wear hi-vis and to try and run in company.
• The ICE numbers for the coach should also be noted (available on Club-force and Facebook postings) on personal phones.

Persons carrying injuries or recovering from injuries should advise the leader prior to setting off and should only commit to completing a club run if they are in a fit state to do so.

• Although it may be impractical to carry a first aid kit, coaches/leaders/tail runner should have minor injury dressings available at the SixMile Leisure Centre and may avail of their supplies/rest facilities if appropriate.

During the Run

• If someone takes ill or gets injured the lead coach must be informed. This should be done by phoning the appropriate person using their ICE number when the incident occurs.
• If appropriate the group/Individual should stop in a safe place, off the road and out of harm’s way.
• In the event of the injured party being segregated from the group/other runners, if in a position to do so, they should move to a safe space and use their mobile phone to call the coach.
• In the event of a more serious incident or injury, the injured party, if solo, or most appropriate person (i.e. first to the scene, accompanying runner or coach) should call 999 to request attendance from the emergency services. (Emergencies may include collapse, chest pain, severe breathlessness, collision with a vehicle, ANY head injury or any injury requiring specialist treatment that cannot be given at the scene or by a Club first aider.)

Advice for those assisting Injured parties

• Maintain a calm approach towards the injured party and those who have witnessed/stop to offer support.
• Do not move someone with major injuries. Wait for the emergency services and try to ensure that the injured party is safe from further incident.
• Ask if there is a qualified first aider who can take action for minor injuries. (Coaches to attend minor first aid training when available) Alert the first aider, if available, who should take appropriate action for minor injuries.  The coach will carry a small range of first aid supplies for minor injuries if appropriate or will have provisions available at the Leisure Centre.
• Deal with the rest of the group and ensure that they are adequately supervised.  The run may be continued for the remainder of the group which should be advised of any changes including, coach / tail runner and route.
• If the injured / ill person is capable of getting back to the start point they must be accompanied by the coach / tail runner or other person agreed with the injured / ill person
• If the injured / ill person is not capable of getting back to the start point the coach / tail runner or other agreed person should remail with the injured / ill until assistance arrives. 
• If appropriate / necessary, the coach should contact the injured person's ICE contact. 
• Coaches should complete an Accident Report Form in conjunction with the injured party and appropriate witnesses after the event and pass it on to the Chair within 48 hours of the event – caharrierschair@gmail.com

Follow Up Actions

• Coach witnessing/in charge of the session to advise Chair/Vice Chair of the incident at the end of the session, when the injured party has been treated/when it is appropriate to do so, as close as possible to the time of the incident occurring.
• Coach witnessing/in charge of the session to complete the accident report from in conjunction with the injured party and the appropriate witnesses. This should be passed to/emailed to the Chair within 48 hours of the event
• Chair – to follow up with coach, injured party and witnesses as deemed appropriate to clarify information contained in the accident report form
• Chair should determine whether or not further investigation is required for clarity of how the incident occurred, or to determine if any further action needs to be taken
• Should there be any learnings from the incident (i.e. change in route, avoidance of use of route, new measures for first aid provision etc.) This should be discussed with coaches in conjunction with the committee for decision on implementation as appropriate. (Potential to have a Coach Representative on the Committee assigned this task).
• Learnings or new procedures to be communicated to all members via email/Facebook page or the club force app if appropriate.
• Report to be made to ANI if deemed appropriate by the Chair following receipt of the incident report and associated investigation (if appropriate, guidance available on ANI Website – Linked HERE)