Health Services Officer (HSO)
(4 Positions)
HSO will see cadets with minor ailments, such as bumps, bruises, blisters, coordination of medicine administration, and aid the staff in watching for health risks common to encampment - heat stroke, dehydration, blisters, etc. They will send severe problems to the closest Emergency Room along with any paperwork needed and ensure that parents are notified and kept informed. The HSO will work with the senior Safety Officer to ensure any medical related mishaps are reported properly. The HSO reports directly to the Encampment Commander and keeps the Senior Executive Team informed as needed.
Duties and responsibilities:
• Plans and distributes all health and safety related information to the staff and cadets
• Keeps a file on each participant with pertinent medical information
• Handles briefings on safety and health related issues
• Keeps records of medical activity
• Keeps a phone list of emergency numbers
• Keeps the medical office manned at all times
• Mentors, trains, and supervises staff
MEDICAL CARE AT ENCAMPMENT
a. “Medical Officers.” CAP is not a health care provider, so having a physician or nurse or other medical professional on staff at encampment is not required by CAP regulations. In fact, even if an encampment is fortunate enough to have a medical professional in attendance, CAP’s policy is for health professionals to provide care only in emergency situations, stabilizing the patient until private medical care or military care can be obtained (see CAPR 160-1, §6). In some states, a “camp nurse” statute affects encampments; consult the wing legal officer for guidance in those situations.
b. Role of Health Services Officers. What Health Services Officers can do for encampments, apart from providing emergency care, is to lend their expertise by advising commanders and participants on health, fitness, disease, and injury prevention topics. They are also authorized to provide training in CPR, first aid, and similar topics, consistent with their professional competencies (see CAPR 160-1, §7). In these capacities, Health Services Officers should work closely with the encampment safety officer.
c. Over-the-Counter Remedies. Non-prescription medications may be given to minor cadets as needed and according to package directions by CAP senior members, if permission has been given in writing by the cadet’s parent or guardian (CAPF 163 is the tool for this purpose; also see CAPR 160-1, §4).