Commissioner Lifesaving MCS 303 MCS 304 Cornhusker Council College of Commissioner Science October 16, 1999

What is Commissioner Lifesaving Scouting paramedic Lifesaving Team Urgent cases –loss of adult leadership –no unit program –conflict between unit leaders –conflict with Chartered Organization

Watch the Vital Signs

Going into Action Don’t wait until the next Commissioner Staff Meeting Establish that Unit as a Priority Consult with your Assistant District Commissioner or your District Commissioner

Going into Action Ask Six Basic Questions –What problems must be solved to save this unit? (Distinguish between a real problem and merely a symptom of a problem) –What are alternative strategies for solving the problems and saving the unit? (Outline at least two possible strategies) –Which strategy are you going to try first? Why?

Going into Action Ask Six Basic Questions –Who will you involve? Who is going to do what? When? –How will you know if the unit is saved? –If all else fails, what is “Plan B”?

Going into Action Be ENTHUSIASTIC! –Discouraged leaders need to know that their situation is not hopeless –Share a realistic Vision –Demonstrate that you care

Typical “Hurry Cases” Stopped Breathing –Unit not meeting Leaders No Heartbeat –No Leader Committee Chairman Appoint someone on a Temporary Basis Charter Rep New Leader needs training

Typical “Hurry Cases” Choking –Unit with No Committee Contact Charter Rep to explain necessity of a Committee Parental Involvement is not Optional Severe Bleeding –Unit with No New Members May only be a symptom of lack of program Program Planning Don’t want boys because not enough leaders

Typical “Hurry Cases” Poisoning –Unit Conflict with Chartered Organization Unit belongs to the Organization Commissioners are mediators Preventative Medicine –Commissioners should know the Reps as well as the Unit Leaders

Typical “Hurry Cases” Disorientation –Lack of Training on the part of New Leaders Fast Start Videotape May mean you going to training over and over Explaining how BSA works Put in touch with past leaders to get the history of the unit

Preventative Medicine As in all types of “medical” situations, being aware of how units are doing will prevent a virus from becoming a life threatening disease!