Big thank you to our on-call medical team!
Accidents happen. We all know that. Whether it’s a minor bump, an incidental scrape, or a broken bone, things can occasionally go wrong. When it comes to WINGS – just like any other camp for young people – safety and welfare is top priority. That’s why we benefit from the expert support of ScoutMed, our on-site team of medical pros.
ScoutMed Unit Manager, Karl, joined us for a chat just after a visit from Chief Scout Dwayne Fields on Tuesday. “ScoutMed was formed in 2000, so we are 26 years old. We’re a national Scout Active Support Unit and our remit covers the whole UK,” he explained. “We are the UK medical team and provide training courses, and advice lines to groups, districts, and counties; even if we’re not on-site, we can still help with the queries and questions that come in.”
The overall ScoutMed team comprises 89 people and made up of numerous roles from First Responders all the way up to consultants. “The knowledge in the team is unbelievable,” said Karl, “but it’s a team approach, and the Scouting aspect is the success of ScoutMed. Most of us have Scout backgrounds, so we know all the incidents that can happen.”
The Chief Scout’s visit was more than just a fleeting visit, he was in attendance to present the team with some prestigious meritorious awards. The awards were recognition for their efforts and intervention helped deal with a particularly challenging event at Gilwell, the home of UK Scouting.
Karl acknowledged the importance of the awards as ‘truly deserved’, explaining: “the situation these guys found themselves in was unique; it’s a once-in-a-career moment. Although some of the team work for the NHS professionally, they still did an amazing job on the day. So much so that the ambulance service came back to congratulate them.”
The rest of the team rallied to ensure nothing fell short on site while the incident was being dealt with, truly a team effort. “The fallout, remembering that these guys have gone through an adrenaline-fueled and emotional situation, our team’s skill level was superb.”
Clinical Lead Adam, recipient of an award, said that there has been plenty of interest at WINGS. “We have had people come and visit us, they can’t believe the services we’re providing, and that others are offering; the range of activities is amazing.”
“It’s great to see such an event come together,” says Karl. “So many young people get to experience so much and if I, as part of Scouting, can keep them fit and healthy then I have achieved what I have set out to do.”
