Field Trip Guidelines

• Develop a detailed itinerary which specified course activities and activities outside of course work. Meet with all participants ahead of time to familiarize them with the itinerary as well as any expectations you have of them and specific risks associated with the trip.
  
  
• If any field trip activities require special skills, be sure to provide the necessary orientation and training to the participants.
  
  
  
• Before the trip, obtain a list of names and emergency contacts from all participants so that you are prepared, should an emergency occur.  This should include a list of participants' medical conditions which might require emergency care or special treatment.  This can be done by using the Acknowledgement of Risk form.  The trip leader should keep a copy of this form from each participant.  A copy of the list of the emergency contact names should also remain with someone on campus, who has a copy of your itinerary and would generally know where to locate you if necessary. Bring along a cell phone, if available.
  
  
• Bring along a first aid kit. It's a good idea to have someone in the group familiar with first aid and/or CPR.
  
  
• Report all incidents of injury (of consequence) to the UVM Department of Risk Management at 656-3242. Sample incident report is enclosed.
  
  
• Try to arrange group transportation using a UVM owned or leased vehicle. Use of personal staff or faculty vehicles will make those employees primarily responsible if any accident should occur. Students who elect not to travel with the group should complete an Alternative Transportation waiver.
  
  
• Require all drivers attend a driver training class (2 hours) conducted by UVM Risk Management, at least ten days in advance of trip. At this training, a signed release will be obtained from all prospective drivers to authorize UVM to do a motor vehicle check in order to verify an acceptable driving record.