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Emergency Contacts & Procedures

These procedures apply to all leaders and volunteers with responsibility for girls and participants at official Girl Scout activities. It is very important that these steps are followed consistently in any emergency situation. 

NOTE: The following procedures are provided to Girl Scout volunteers on postcard-size cards. Remember to keep your card with you, readily available for quick reference in case of emergency.

  1. Always have someone in the group as the designee to call 911.

  2. Remain calm.

  3. Give priority attention to providing all possible care for the injured.

  4. Secure emergency medical services and law enforcement as appropriate.

  5. Report the emergency immediately by calling GSSWT (210-349-2404/ 800-580-7247) at any time, 24 hours a day. By pressing 1, the automated phone system will forward the call directly to the council’s ICE (In Case of Emergency) cell phone.

  6. In the event of a serious accident or fatality, always notify law enforcement. Do not leave the scene of the accident until law enforcement arrives. If you must leave, retain a responsible person at the scene. Ensure that the victim and the surroundings are not disturbed until law enforcement has assumed authority.

  7. Record in writing:
    • Conditions existing at time of incident.
    • Names, addresses, and phone numbers of witnesses.
    • Order of events leading up to and following the incident.
    • Any medical attention, opinions, or instructions received from parents.
       
  8. Submit completed insurance forms and a copy of the above record of the incident to GSSWT within four (4) days.

  9. MAKE NO STATEMENTS TO THE MEDIA. Take a message and inform them that someone will return their call. Refer all media inquiries (press, radio, television) to GSSWT. If a GSSWT staff member is not readily available, then report the media request by calling GSSWT (210-349-2404/800-580-7247) and press 1 to forward your call directly to the council’s ICE cell phone. Do not discuss the incident, place blame, or accept liability.

An Issues Management Plan is available from GSSWT's Chief Communications Officer.
 Questions? Please contact Stephanie Finleon Cortez, Chief Communications Officer (210-349-2404/800-580-7247 ext. 230).