Outdoor Protocol Development By Tony Ledenko

Protocol Signals and Visual Aids:
 

Protocol Development:

In order to develop a series of protocols for a program or activity, it’s essential to do
a thorough analysis of the activity. The outline below provides on structure for
analysing activities and building protocols.

Goals of the Activity
Evaluation of Activity
How to determine if goals are met

Leader Skills & Training Required

     -Skills Required
     -Training
     -Assessment of Skills

Activity Difficulty Assessment

     -Relate the difficulty level(s) of the activity to leader skills and participant
     readiness

Environmental Hazards & Accidents

     -Potential Hazards and steps to reduce accident potential
     -Potential accidents
     -Previous accident or close call history

Participant Screening

     -Applications & Waivers
    - Medical
    - Physical
    - Psychological/Psychosocial
    - Activity difficulty & skill level
    - Selection
     -Information to Participants
          Pretrip
          Post-trip

First Aid, Emergencies & Rescue

     -Rescue resources - rangers, rescue squad, hospitals, etc.
     -Evacuation Plan (may be covered under general program plan or may be specific
     -to this activity/site)
     -Emergency Contact Plan (may be covered under general program plan or may be
     -specific to this activity/site)
     -Reporting & Analysis Plan - (may be covered under general program plan or may
     -be specific to this activity/site)

Permits & Regulations

     -Permits required
     -Limitations - length of stay, group size, etc.
     -Regulations

Trip Leader Procedures And Responsibilities

     -How to run this activity
     -Pre-trip
     -During the Trip
     -Post-trip

Activity Protocols

     -Participant:Leader Ratio
     -General guidelines for the activity
     -Site Plan(s) (if needed) - specific guidelines for sites
     -Specific activity procedures and protocols
     -Teaching Syllabus & Curriculum

Leave No Trace Practices

     -Leave No Trace Issues
     -Ecology

Group Dynamics

     -Group Dynamics Issues
     -Debriefing

Equipment

     -Group Equipment
     -Personal Equipment
     -Equipment Preparation
     -Equipment Checks & Maintenance
     -Equipment Use

Teaching Plan

     -Pre-trip
     -During the Trip
     -Post-trip

Site Information

     -Information on the area or site
     -Driving Directions,
     -Emergency Numbers