In the event of an unfortunate incident, involving one or more youth or adults, it may be simplistic to believe that the only victims are those directly involved – i.e., those who are injured, or worse.
But, the list of “victims” may be much larger, to include those present during the incident who were not injured, but were witnesses to the tragedy, or who exercised supervisory authority during the activity, as well as family members of the victim.
For instance, any adult leaders present may suffer from a variety of post-incident feelings, such as guilt, hypervigilance, withdrawal, physical ailments, shame, etc. Such feelings may result in a decision to no longer participate as an adult leader.
In one reported instance, an adult leader, in response to a tragedy, stated that he wished he had a “do over”. Of course, there are no “do overs” – we are left with the consequences of our own actions, or the actions of others.
Other potential “victims” include the family of the affected participant, whose lives may be irrevocably changed by the tragedy, due to severe injury (or worse) to a youth or adult family member. Indeed, during a presentation at a recent conference, an attendee shared the family tragedy of an uncle drowning during a water activity, and the long-term effect of that event on the family (one positive outcome being that the niece ultimately became a skilled aquatics instructor).
Youth who witness a tragedy may also be affected by the tragedy, particularly as any affected youth participant is one of their peers, and with whom they have probably been friends for some time. And, as has reportedly occurred in several Scouting incidents, witnessing a tragedy involving one’s parent will have a particularly severe impact on a youth participant.
See, this story involving a rafting accident, where such points are made regarding the loss of a key member of the local Scouting family.
Lastly, in the event of legal proceedings, it may be necessary for witnesses to the tragedy to re-live the unfortunate incident, with the accompanying psychological burden.
The point of this discussion is that a serious incident that occurs during an outdoor activity may have wide-ranging ramifications, such as the “ripple effect” resulting from throwing a pebble into the water of a calm pool.
The long-term effect, or extent of, such post-incident ramifications should not be underestimated, and reinforces the importance of exercising and practicing risk management principles during the planning and conduct of an outdoor activity so that such circumstances might be avoided!
So, don’t forget that a wide-ranging group of people are counting on you, both known and unknown – prepare for and conduct your outdoor activity accordingly!