RE: [Paddlewise] Safety Clinic

Chuck wrote: -
> This issue does bring up a couple of questions,
> though: (1) What would the club's legal liability
> be if that man had had a heart attack during the
> event? (2) Should a club restrict participation
> by people with obvious health problems?

G'Day,

This does'nt strictly address legal issues but might be useful. Last year I
blacked out driving a car and ran into the back of the car ahead of me. I
stopped driving for a month, informed the insurance company who insures me
agaisnt road accidents and informed the Road and Traffic Authority (RTA -
The NSW Australian organisation responsible for driving licences fines etc).

During that month rode a bike to work through the park and underwent tests
which helped diagnose a Transient Ischemic Attack and determine treatment.
After a month of testing the medication the doctor wrote a report and filled
out forms declaring me fit to drive, which the RTA and insurance company
accepted.

After diagnosis I recommenced kayaking with some close friends who were
willing to acept the risk and inconvenience, but stopped kayaking with the
club. Once the RTA had said I could drive I told the club the situation and
asked about eligibility for kayak trips. Their attitude was that if it was
good enough for the RTA to allow me to drive then they were happy for me to
join kayak trips, so long as I formally took responsibility. They did not
require me to inform the trip leader on every occasion but did say I should
let the trip leader know for big trips. However, I've decided to let the
trip leader know before each trip. They also suggested splitting my
medication into two packs one held by me and a spare held by someone else in
case of accidental loss.

Hope this helps, PeterO
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