Know what to do when emergencies happen during client visits. Quick, appropriate action can save lives. This guide covers emergency response procedures and how to document incidents.

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Types of Emergencies

Medical Emergencies

• Falls with injury
• Difficulty breathing
• Chest pain
• Stroke symptoms
• Unresponsiveness
• Severe bleeding
• Allergic reactions
• Seizures

Safety Emergencies

• Fire or smoke
• Gas leaks
• Threatening situations
• Weapons present
• Intruders

Mental Health Emergencies

• Self-harm threats
• Suicide statements
• Severe distress
• Violent behavior
• Psychotic episodes

First Priority: Safety

Assess the Scene

Before acting:

1. Is the scene safe?
2. Am I in danger?
3. Is the client in immediate danger?
4. What resources are available?

Make It Safe

• Move away from danger
• Don't put yourself at risk
• Remove hazards if safe
• Call for help

Emergency Response Steps

Step 1: Stay Calm

• Take a breath
• Think clearly
• Act deliberately
• Model calm for client

Step 2: Call for Help

For life-threatening emergencies:

1. Call 911 immediately
2. Stay on the line
3. Follow dispatcher instructions
4. Provide location and situation

Step 3: Provide Aid

If trained and safe:

• Basic first aid
• CPR if needed
• Stay with client
• Comfort and reassure

Step 4: Notify

After immediate crisis:

1. Contact supervisor
2. Notify emergency contacts
3. Document the incident

Calling 911

When to Call

Call 911 for:

• Life-threatening situations
• Serious injuries
• Medical emergencies
• Fire
• Crimes in progress
• Safety threats

What to Tell Them

Provide:

1. Your location (address, apartment, landmarks)
2. Nature of emergency
3. Client information (age, condition)
4. What happened
5. Current situation
6. Your name

Stay on the Line

• Follow their instructions
• Answer their questions
• Don't hang up until told
• Keep them updated

Medical Emergency Response

Falls

1. Don't move them unless dangerous
2. Check for responsiveness
3. Look for injuries
4. Call 911 if:
   • Head injury
   • Severe pain
   • Can't move
   • Bleeding heavily
5. Stay with them
6. Document

Breathing Problems

1. Call 911 immediately
2. Help them sit up if possible
3. Loosen tight clothing
4. Find medications (inhaler)
5. Stay calm and reassuring
6. Monitor until help arrives

Chest Pain

1. Call 911 immediately
2. Have them sit or lie comfortably
3. Loosen clothing
4. Ask about medications (nitroglycerin)
5. Note time symptoms started
6. Be prepared for CPR

Stroke Signs (FAST)

• Face drooping
• Arm weakness
• Speech difficulty
• Time to call 911

Note the time symptoms started - critical for treatment.

Unresponsive Client

1. Check responsiveness
2. Call 911
3. Check breathing
4. Start CPR if trained
5. Use AED if available
6. Continue until help arrives

Safety Emergencies

Fire

1. Get client out safely
2. Close doors behind you
3. Call 911 from outside
4. Don't use elevators
5. Meet at safe location
6. Don't go back in

Gas Leak

1. Don't use electronics
2. Don't create sparks
3. Open windows if safe
4. Leave immediately
5. Call from outside
6. Gas company and 911

Threatening Situation

1. Stay calm
2. Don't argue or confront
3. Look for exit
4. Leave if possible
5. Call 911 when safe
6. Document and report

Mental Health Emergencies

Suicide Threats

Take ALL threats seriously:

1. Stay calm
2. Stay with the person
3. Remove dangerous items if safe
4. Call 988 (Suicide Hotline) or 911
5. Don't leave them alone
6. Get professional help

De-escalation

If someone is upset:

• Speak calmly
• Listen
• Don't argue
• Give space
• Seek help

Safety First

If you feel threatened:

• Leave if you can
• Don't confront
• Call for help
• Your safety matters

After the Emergency

Immediate Steps

1. Make sure help has arrived
2. Notify your supervisor
3. Contact emergency contacts
4. Secure the scene if needed

Documentation

Complete incident report:

• What happened
• Time and location
• Actions taken
• Who was called
• Outcome

Self-Care

After emergencies:

• You may feel shaken
• Talk to supervisor
• It's normal to be affected
• Seek support if needed

Emergency Contacts

Always Have Ready

• 911 (emergency)
• Your supervisor's number
• Office number
• Client's emergency contacts
• Poison control (1-800-222-1222)

In CareCade

Find emergency info:

1. Client profile
2. Emergency contacts section
3. Medical alerts
4. Special instructions

Being Prepared

Before Each Visit

• Review client's medical info
• Know emergency contacts
• Know exit routes
• Have phone charged
• Know the address

Training

Stay current on:

• CPR/First Aid
• Emergency procedures
• Organization policies
• Client-specific protocols

Documenting Emergencies

In the Moment

If safe, note:

• Time of incident
• What you observed
• Actions taken
• Who was contacted

Incident Report

Submit detailed report:

1. Go to Documentation → Report Incident
2. Select incident type
3. Complete all fields
4. Submit promptly

Why It Matters

Documentation:

• Creates official record
• Supports follow-up
• Protects everyone
• Required for compliance

Common Questions

What if I panic?

• It's normal
• Take a breath
• Focus on one step at a time
• Call 911 - they'll guide you

What if I'm not sure it's an emergency?

• When in doubt, call for help
• Better safe than sorry
• Explain what you're seeing
• Let professionals decide

What if the client refuses help?

• Document their refusal
• Note their stated reason
• Contact supervisor
• Follow up as directed

Can I leave to call 911?

• Call from wherever is safe
• Try to stay with client if possible
• If you must leave briefly, secure them first
• Return as soon as possible

Related Articles

• Submitting Incident Reports
• Understanding Your Clients
• Contacting Clients