HOME & COMMUNITYPolicy No.: PM-9-110

SUPPORT SERVICESEffective Date: 01/03/03

--OF GREY-BRUCE--Supersedes: New

Page: 1 of 1

SECTION: PROGRAM MANUALS

TOPIC: CONGREGATE DINING PROGRAM

POLICY TITLE: EMERGENCY PROCEDURES

POLICY STATEMENT

Due to the nature of the client group which the Congregate Dining Program serves, there is a potential for problems or emergencies to arise. Volunteers and staff must be prepared to initiate a response to any emergencies.

PROCEDURE

  1. The client in distress should not be moved, unless danger is imminent.
  2. Enlist the assistance of another staff member or volunteer. All volunteers should ensure that a staff member is summoned. The staff member could be from HCSS or from the Meal Supplier.
  3. The staff member/volunteer with the most training in first aid/nursing/CPR should stay with the client, to provide comfort and medical attention or first aid. If the staff member/volunteer is trained in CPR and assesses the client to be in cardiac arrest, then CPR will be initiated.
  4. Trained personnel should perform the Heimlich Manoeuvre on choking clients, if required.
  5. One staff member/volunteer will initiate an emergency response system by calling 911 with details of the emergency situation and location. This staff member will proceed to the entrance of the facility to escort emergency personnel to the client and will ensure that the staff members are aware of the emergency in progress.
  6. Staff/volunteers remaining with clients must remain calm, attend to their needs as they arise, make all efforts to be sure that other clients are not unduly alarmed or disrupted.
  7. Once the client is under the care of the emergency personnel, HCSS staff will notify the client’s next of kin or emergency contact. An abbreviated data file or client list will be available at the Dining Club site, including the number for the client’s emergency contact.
  8. Once the emergency has been dealt with, HCSS staff will collect relevant information from volunteers and staff who were involved in the incident. Staff involved will complete a report of the incident (see ADM 6-50).

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