Dear Sam and Sally,

I'm always a little confused when, at the start of a project, we have to re-sign our Registration/Skillsheets .  Doesn't the office have that on file? And then we have to fill out several different emergency forms.  Why so many forms?  And why are they always changing?

Working, but confused!

Dear Working,

That first meeting at the start of a project is always chock full of information, isn't it.  And we know that filling out forms seems to takes up a fair bit of the meeting.  The purpose of signing your Skill Sheet at each project is to validate the "Consent for Medical Treatment" clause since having it "on file at the office" was determined to be inadequate.  The signed Skill Sheet is returned to the GL who will make them available to everyone. With the changing times, the trustees decided that it made the most sense to have a separate Consent for Medical Treatment Form that each individual could carry on their person.  All of the emergency forms supplied by the office are there ONLY for your protection and benefit. The Board has worked hard to make these practical and succinct.  Essentially there are three forms, each to be handled differently.

• Emergency Information - Keep in your vehicle: If you are involved in an accident AWAY from the project, this will alert emergency personnel where you are staying, who to contact, etc. It does NOT authorize any type of treatment.
• Emergency Information - Visible from outside of the RV: This is easy-to-find contact information that is useful if an accident happens on the project site.  While this form is supplied at each project, it can often be reused since this information changes infrequently.
• Consent for Medical Treatment: This short form should be filled out by each individual and kept on their person.  In case of an emergency (particularly if the spouse cannot be reached), this will authorize emergency treatment. It also details medications, medical conditions, and physician and insurance information.

 It is very possible that you already carry this information and the purpose of these forms is not to duplicate that.  The intent of these forms is that necessary information and consent is available in the case of an emergency.  So do you still need to sign those skill sheets?  Signed skill sheets can still be used as a back-up consent form so it's a good idea to sign them and then have them stored in an area that is available to everyone.  It may seem like a nuisance, but we'd rather everyone be safe than sorry.
 

Serving with you,

Sam & Sally

Do you have a question about SOWER policy or etiquette? Sam and Sally would love to hear from you! Contact them at -samandsally@sowerministry.org.