Reporting an Incident

When unexpected incidents occur in Scouting, swift and accurate reporting is essential to safeguard the safety and well-being of everyone involved. As a Unit, your responsibility is to promptly notify your council of any incident. Keep in mind that the objective is to furnish your Council with clear, concise, and accurate details regarding the incident. (Please see BSA’s Incident Reporting Expectations here to identify how promptly you are expected to report the incident to your Council.)

To help streamline the information gathering process, here’s a 10-step guide to assist you in determining what details you should share with your council when reporting the incident. (The Incident Reporting Tools below are a valuable resource for gathering incident information within this 10-step guide.)

1. Basic Information:
   • Date and time of the incident.
   • Location where the incident occurred (campsite, meeting place, etc.).
   • Your name and contact information as the report filer.
2. Nature of the Incident:
   • Clearly define the incident type (accident, injury, illness, property damage, behavioral concern, etc.).
3. Involved Individuals:
   • Names and ages of all individuals involved (Scouts, leaders, volunteers, staff, etc.).
   • Roles and positions within the BSA (Scout, Scoutmaster, adult leader, etc.).
   • Contact information for those directly involved.
4. Description of the Incident:
   • Offer a detailed and factual account of the incident.
   • Maintain objectivity and avoid speculation or assumptions.
   • Describe any actions taken before, during, and after the incident.
5. Witness Information:
   • Names and contact information of witnesses who observed the incident.
   • Their perspective on what they saw or heard.
6. Injuries or Damage:
   • Detail injuries, illnesses, or property damage sustained if applicable.
   • Mention any medical treatment on-site or subsequent medical attention sought.
7. Immediate Response:
   • Outline immediate actions taken to address the situation or provide assistance.
   • Note response times and outcomes if emergency services were involved.
8. Contributing Factors:
   • Identify factors that might have contributed to the incident (unsafe conditions, lack of supervision, equipment failure, etc.).
9. Follow-Up Actions:
   • Describe post-incident actions taken to ensure safety and well-being.
   • Note any communications with parents or guardians of affected Scouts.
10. Photos and Documentation:
    • Attach incident scene photographs, images of injuries, or property damage if available.
    • Include relevant documents such as incident forms, medical records, or witness statements.