[HISTORY: Adopted by the Board of Commissioners of York County 12-31-1996. Amendments
noted where applicable.]
As used in this chapter the following terms shall have the meanings
indicated:
In most cases, an injury is trauma caused by an external
force, such as a trip or a fall. An injury could also be a bee sting
or fainting due to stress or heat exhaustion.
A visitor is a person who is not a York County employee,
including but not limited to volunteers, prisoners, juvenile and other
detainees, students, athletes using county park facilities, spectators,
repair persons, sales persons, witnesses, clients and foster parents.
Whenever a visitor is injured while on York County property
or while riding in a York County vehicle, a Visitor Injury Report
shall be completed by a county employee who was directly involved
at the scene. The report forms are available from the Director of
Risk Management.
A.
Pennsylvania is not a duty-to-act state. Therefore, it is not required
that first aid be given. However, once the decision is made to provide
first aid, including cardiopulmonary resuscitation, the first aid
cannot be discontinued until properly relieved by another medically
qualified person.
B.
First aid can be given by county employees who have been trained
and are certified as qualified by the Red Cross. There are at least
two certified employees in most county departments.
C.
If 911 needs to be called, the injured visitor should not be left
alone.
D.
All minors need parental authorization before being treated by any
medical personnel.
E.
In the event of a serious injury, such as shock or profuse bleeding,
911 should be called for emergency management treatment at the scene
or medical transport to the nearest emergency room.
F.
An injured visitor who has fallen or sustained a head trauma should
not be moved to avoid causing additional injuries.
G.
For less serious injuries, and if the injured person is unable to
drive to a medical facility for treatment, an offer to call a relative
or friend can be made.
A.
There should be no admission of liability or offer of payment of
any bills related to the injury.
B.
The injured visitor should be informed that the County Risk Manager
and insurance carrier will be investigating the injury to determine
the extent, if any, of any county responsibility and liability for
expenses incurred by the injured party.
A.
An alert, oriented individual has the right to refuse or postpone
medical treatment, depending on the nature and severity of the injury.
However, a Visitor Injury Report shall be completed and filed, noting
that treatment was refused.
B.
If it appears that the individual is unable to make the decision
because he/she is unconscious or profusely bleeding or in shock, medical
treatment should be provided as soon as possible by the best available
medical professionals.
A.
It is recommended that someone who was directly involved at the scene
call the injured visitor to inquire about their condition.
B.
The injured visitor should be provided with the name of the Risk
Manager and telephone number. The Risk Manager will be responsible
for filing an insurance claim and recommending any physical changes
to York County property.
York County 911 shall be called, and York County 911 will notify
the Coroner and other appropriate municipal jurisdictions.
Since it is difficult to address the numerous circumstances
surrounding an injury, a phone call to the office of Risk Manager
would be appropriate for specific clarification shortly after a visitor
is injured.
