Leader Package (Baggage?)

Here is what it takes to lead an Sierra Club trip for the SMS:

Before the Outing

Prepare a write-up for the Schedule, newsletter and website and send it to the outings chair of the sponsoring entity(ies). If your name is not listed in the last Schedule, please add the Leader Info for Schedule.

For restricted M or E-rated mountaineering outings, using ropes, ice axe and crampons, include an MOC Application Form application for a training or non-training outing. Every other year include an updated Leader Resume. Fill the forms out electronically and e-mail them to the Outings Chair. Note that the forms on this website are mostly in *.doc format which you can fill out electronically. The original forms are in non-editable *.pdf format which you have to print out, fill out and mail. Use snail mail as last resort only. The source of these files is at http://clubhouse.sierraclub.org/outings/forms/. To access this website type in the user name: clubhouse and password: explore.

The outings chair then sends your application to the chair of the Mountaineering Oversight Committee, MOC (in 2006 Chair: Tina Bowman, tina@bowmandesigngroup.com) for approval. After approval your trip will be listed on the MOC website.

Apply for wilderness permits and such if needed.

Prepare a trip sheet if it is an outing with pre-trip screening and e-mail it to the participants.

For restricted mountaineering outings, get two (2) copies of the new Medical Form from each participant including the leaders. Take one copy on the outing, keep the other one at home. From the medical information you have to decide to accept or deny a trip participant. If you are not in the medical profession you may need the advice from the participant's doctor or the Sierra Club's Medical Advisory Committee. Limited help can also be found from the Medical FAQs. There are also new Medical protocols to be followed.

Provisional leaders should get the form: Self Evaluation Form and send the filled-out form to LTC Administrative Chair, in 2006: Wolf Leverich, wolf@hundredpeaks.org. If you are an evaluating leader on a provisional lead trip get the form Asst Ldr Evaluation Form and send the filled-out form to the Prov. Ldr who forwards it to LTC. Note: Do not use the National evaluation forms since they differ from the LA Chapter forms.

At the Outing

Use the proper waiver/sign-in form (restricted outings require the Sierra Club number).

Carry the Sierra Club Incident Report Form, Emergency Response-Patient Report Form (bring two, one to go out with the runner getting help or with the patient if help can be summoned by cell phone), Minor Release Form if needed, and one copy of the Participant Medical Form if it is a restricted mountaineering outing (one form per person on the trip, filled out and signed). Fill out the forms as needed. If there is an injury or illness leading to evacuation of the patient, include a copy of the Emergency Response-Patient Report Form and Medical Form (if it is a mountaineering restricted outing) with the patient to aid medical personnel. Remember, on the Emergency Response-Patient Report Form, if you do not understand what information is being asked for, just put "do not understand."

After the Outing

If there has been a life-threatening injury/emergency or death, call the National club immediately at 1-888-OUTINGS (888-688-4647) and follow up with the Angeles Chapter Safety Committee Chair (in 2006: Joe Wankum, Jbwankum@aol.com) and outings chair (in 2006: Reiner Stenzel, stenzel@physics.ucla.edu; in 2007: Heiko Knapp, ). Procedures are described in Reporting and Incident. Submit all the paperwork as soon as possible. Follow the information on the forms about whom to send what. For less serious incidents, you do not need to call National, but submit the Incident Report Form right away to National, the Safety Committee Chair, and the Outings Chair. Make sure to keep a copy for yourself. Send also a copy of the Emergency Response-Patient Report if applicable.

Send the waiver/sign-in form and one copy of the Medical Form (for restricted mountaineering outings) to the outings chair. The other copy of the Participant Medical Form is requested by MOC and will be stored for 7 years, then destroyed. Unlike the medical profession the Sierra Club is not bound by HIPAA privacy laws.

Implications of the new Medical Form: The justification for the new Medical Form was that it improves first aid in case of an accident. However, the price you pay is not only the potential loss of privacy but also the possible loss of insurance protection from the Sierra Club. The latter arises if a participant makes a wrong statement on the Medical Form (which can inadvertently happen with dozens of tricky questions) a potential lawsuit after an injury will be thrown out due to a false medical statement. Such facts should be explained to all participants of restricted trips who may think that the Sierra Club provides insurance protection for accidents.

Write an article about the outing for the Mugelnoos and SMS website.

If you loose money on wilderness reservations or have other legitimate trip expenses, fill out the Reimbursement Form and send it to the SPS Treasurer (in 2006: "Tom Marsh", qrtmoon@adelphia.net).

Reminder:

MOC requests the use of helmets on all restricted trips and recommends it on cl 3 rock and steep snow as well. (see the Mountaineering Policy and note their last words: "All Mountaineering Outings must be in compliance with all Club policies. Violation of any Club policy could expose the leaders and the Club to uninsured claims, increased premiums, and possible loss of our insurance. Uninsured claims could leave the leader who violated Club policies personally liable".)