Introduction

An authorized volunteer working on the Appalachian National Scenic Trail under the auspices of one of the designated Trail maintaining clubs or ATC is entitled to certain protections under programs managed by either the U.S. Forest Service (Volunteers in Forests) or the National Park Service (Volunteers in Parks) through an individual or a group volunteer agreement.

These volunteer protections are especially important in case an injury occurs involving an A.T. volunteer while at work. These protections apply if the volunteer is following the guidelines and standards provided by the club, ATC, or agency.

Resources

  1. More about Volunteer Service Agreements
  2. Volunteer Service Descriptions
  3. Each time you volunteer, make sure you are listed on a volunteer roster, that you review dangers of specific tasks to reduce injury to yourself or others, and that you track and report hours and accomplishments.
    Volunteer Roster | Sample Roster

Volunteer Injury Packet

In the event of an accident, this toolkit helps you file a claim. Each volunteer should carry an injury packet with them for any volunteer activity.

The packet includes information about dealing with injuries suffered by A.T. volunteer workers. We recommend that a paper copy of this packet be carried by each A.T. volunteer work leader. Volunteers should be familiar with the contents of this packet, and should complete specific local contact information on the “Explainer” sheet before an accident resulting in injury occurs.

Download Volunteer Injury Packet

Steps to Follow in Case of Injury

If an injury occurs, a volunteer should follow this flow chart or steps below:

  1. Immediate care and First Aid, and/or treatment at a medical facility.
  2. Complete the A.T. Volunteer Injury/Near Miss Form in advance of calling the land manager.
  3. Call the land manager no more than 24 hours after event to report and extend volunteer protections. Ask the land manager to submit a CA-16 to the medical facility if a workers compensation claim will be filed.
  4. Send the A.T. Volunteer Injury/Near Miss Form to ATC (volunteer@appalachiantrail.org), your ATC regional office, and land manager (if requested).
  5. Follow-up