11:50am Friday 27th November 2009
EIGHT scouts were taken to hospital at the weekend after a marquee they were in blew over in freak winds.
The incident happened at Skreens Park at Roxwell, near Chelmsford, on Sunday, November 22, while 400 Explorer Scouts, aged 14 to 18, were taking part in a weekend of winter activities.
Simon Carter, spokesman for the Scout Association, said a squall of wind came up unexpectedly and blew the tent away.
He said: “It had been a lovely morning then it became dark and windy and there was heavy rain.
“I don’t know how many were in the marquee at the time at 1.30pm, but I understand about 12 young people suffered minor injuries.
“They were taken to hospital, but all discharged the same day.”
Joy Hale, spokeswoman for the East of England Ambulance Service, said rapid response vehicles and ambulances attended. The Essex Air Ambulance landed, but did not take anyone to hospital.
She explained as part of his role as air crew doctor, Dr Adam Chesters assisted in managing patient assessment.
He said: “There were five male and three female patients, aged 14 to 17 years old. Some of the injuries included hand injuries and minor burns and scalds. They were all taken to Broomfield Hospital for further care.”
Mr Carter said he understood the injuries ranged from shock to fractures of fingers and minor scalds.
He said: “There was a boiler in the marquee that turned over and a couple of people were scalded.
“I am sure we shall go through the procedures for something like this happening and make sure everything was done properly.”
Skreens Park is a 55-acre activity site owned by Essex Scout Council and used for activity weekends.
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