OUTWARD BOUND USA
DEVELOPING NEW PROGRAM PLANS

1.      Develop a description of the New Program – The first step is to identify all the basic information for the New Program.  Evaluate what exactly you are proposing to do, when, for how long, with whom, and where.

q       Identify the New Program start date.

q       Identify the intended length of program and duration of offering.

q       Identify the number of participants anticipated.

q       What are the new elements of the New Program

q       If the New Program involves a new area, prepare a reconnaissance report.

q       Outline a succinct start-to-finish description of the New Program activities in sequence.

2.      Program Goals and History – This basically asks why are you engaging in this new program, and what do you want to accomplish with it.  For an example, if this is a one-time fundraiser you may subcontract parts that involve additional overhead.  If this is a program with a long-term future you may be willing to set up more infrastructure to support it.

3.      Screening and Preparation of Participants – What are the screening issues.  What specific information will the participants need to prepare for this New Program.

q       If the program involves a new population you have not worked with before you may need to research specific health concerns and/or limitations of that population.

q       If the program involves a new activity, you may need to adjust your current screening and preparation materials to ensure that new considerations are included.

q       If the program involves a new environment, e.g., altitude, heat, cold, wet, you may need to adjust your current screening and preparations materials.

4.      Staffing – What skills and qualification do the staff need to have to work this program, including field staff, support staff, and supervisors?

q       Outline the responsibilities for each position.  Identify a responsible party for all aspect of the program operation.

q       Outline the hiring criteria for each of the positions.

q       Determine staff ratios, and the chain of command.

q       Identify additional training, and orientations needs.

q       Evaluate current staffing pool to assess suitability to engage in the New Program.

5.      Activities to be used in the New Program – What are the new activities for staff and participants.

q       Identify the risk associate with each activity.

q       Identify the instructional/briefing information the participants will need.

q       Review industry standards for each activity.

q       What type of incidents can be anticipated?

6.      Hazards of the New Program environment – What are the hazards and concerns in the new environment. 

q       Review maps, photos, guidebook descriptions, and any other information on the area you will be operating in.

q       Determine the climate and condition of the terrain in the area at the time of the proposed activity.

q       Consider all hazards of the environment, e.g., flora, fauna, and human and local political issues or permit concerns.

q       What types of incidents can be anticipated?

q       Are there any special evacuation needs due to the environment?

q       Do you have a contingency plan if an environmental factor changes and prevents you from accessing the new area?  E.g., a new river section floods, or dries up.

7.      Special hazards posed by the participant population – Consider age, body size, health and fitness, and behavioral issues.

q       If you are proposing a new age group, do you have the appropriate size equipment? 

q       Does your staff understand an appropriate instructional sequence? 

q       Does your participant-to-staff ratio need to be adjusted? 

q       Are the physical demands of the program appropriate for the population?

q       Are there any additional equipment needs for this population?

q       What type of incidents can be anticipated?

8.      Procedures to Deal with the Hazards – Prepare a plan to address all the hazards and needs you have identified in numbers 3 – 7.  Consider a plan for all anticipated incidents.

q       Participant preparation needs

q       Staffing needs

q       Activity hazards

q       Environmental hazards

q       Population hazards

9.      Equipment Requirements – Identify new or special equipment required by staff, and participants to participate in, and deal with, the activities and environment of the program. 

q       Gear necessary for new activity.

q       New or additional sizes or styles to accommodate a new population.

q       Additional rescue equipment to support a new program area.

10. Transportation requirements – Are there any new transportation needs.  Will you provide the transportation or will it be provided by a subcontractor?

11. Emergency Procedures – Identify the evacuation procedures for the area, and outline the resources that are available.

q       What communication options are available?

q       How long will it take to reach outside resources for assistance?

q       What specific resources are available, both human and equipment?

q       Who is the contact person for the local search and rescue unit?

q       What are the technical capabilities of the local search and rescue units?

q       What is the level of care provided at the local hospitals?  Where can you go for a higher level of care if needed?

12. Emergency Communications – Outline your communication plan between the field operations, your headquarters, medical facilities/consultants, emergency evacuation resources, and law enforcement and land management agencies.

q       Will your current on-call system for emergencies be appropriate for this New Program?

q       Are there management agencies that will need to be in the information loop in the event of an emergency?

13. Subcontracting of equipment or services – If you are planning to subcontract any services or equipment it is important to evaluate the subcontractor.

q       Outline all subcontracting to be done.

q       Identify the organization’s safety record.

q       Identify the organization’s level of liability insurance coverage, any accreditations, certifications and licenses held.

q       Identify training/certification of organization’s staff in program activities and first-aid.

q       Review the organizations Emergency Action Plan.

q       Identify maintenance, inspection, and retirement schedules of the equipment to be used.

q       Do a hands-on inspection of equipment, or facilities to be used.

q       Outline the working relationship between the two organizations indicating specifically who is responsible for each aspect of the New Program.  E.g., when outside staff are involved, who has the final authority in an emergency; in the event of a significant incident, which organization would respond to the media, families, or local authorities.

email: obinternational@globalserve.net