8 Colo. Code Regs. § 1402-1-2.616

Current through Register Vol. 47, No. 11, June 10, 2024

Section 8 CCR 1402-1-2.616 - HIKING

If the child care facility offers hiking activities, the following rules shall be complied with:

A. The hiking supervisor must hold a current Red Cross standard First Aid and safety certificate or equivalent; shall have knowledge of outdoor experience and the symptoms and correct treatment procedures for hypothermia and dehydration; and, shall have verifiable experience in hiking and backpacking at the elevation where the hike is to take place.

B. The staff members involved in hiking shall be trained by the supervisor and shall continually observe and monitor campers on the trail for early diagnosis and treatment of injury or illness.

C. When a group takes a hike within sixty (60) minutes of definitive medical care, there must be at least one (1) staff member currently qualified with Red Cross standard First Aid and safety training certificate or equivalent, current CPR certificate, and current training in the Department required and approved medication administration training.

D. When a group takes a hiking or backpacking trip more than sixty (60) minutes away from definitive medical care, there must be at least one staff member with each group of children with current wilderness First Aid training, or equivalent, current CPR training, and current medication administration training.

E. At least two (2) staff members must accompany a group in hikes. From time to time, hiking groups may divide up as long as hikers are always with one staff member and staff members are in visual, verbal or electronic (radio or wireless communication) contact with each other.

F. In selecting the area for hiking, the hiking supervisor shall consider the hiker's age, physical condition and experience, as well as the season, weather trends, methods of evacuation, and communication.

G. Before participation, children must be instructed on:

1. The fundamental safety procedures to follow on the trail;

2. Procedures to follow if lost;

3. Proper health and sanitation procedures on the trail;

4. Rules governing land to be hiked;

5. Potential high-risk areas; and

6. Fire precautions.

H. Each hiker shall be equipped with protective clothing against natural elements such as rain, snow, wind, cold, sun, and insects.

I. First Aid supplies, put together by a person knowledgeable in First Aid supplies needed for possible accidents and/or injuries, shall be present on each hike. The contents of each kit shall be adequate for the number of children, the terrain, and the length of the hike.

J. An itinerary of the hiking trip and a list of all people on the hike must be kept at the child care facility.

K. The child care facility must have written safety procedures for hiking, including the written protocol for evacuating a child that becomes sick or injured on a hike. Staff and children must be trained on the safety procedures and protocol.

8 CCR 1402-1-2.616

46 CR 22, November 25, 2023, effective 12/15/2023