Client Access to Emergency and Medical Care. Clients may have access to medical care at any time. Client should communicate to staff member on duty their need for medical care, if possible. Medical support may be accessed through local hospitals and visiting medical care providers if they are on‐site. If a client requires first aid items, they may access them from a shelter staff member at the service desk. The staff member may assist the client in first aid care with client’s permission, as he/she will be trained, and using universal precautions. In case of a seizure, staff will be trained in appropriate safety precautions and will call support from 911 if seizure persists or causes bodily harm. If a client needs emergency or serious medical care, the staff on duty will call 911 and follow 911 procedures. In case of an injury, staff will not move the client. They will contact other staff, call 911, and if appropriate, check breathing and pulse and begin CPR if needed. One staff member or trained volunteer will attempt to keep the client comfortable and keep other clients away from immediate scene, while another staff member will wait for medical personnel, give medical personnel information about client, and direct them to client. The Program Manager will be called as soon as possible. After client emergency or incident has been controlled, the lead staff member will complete an Incident Report form which will be sent to the Program Manager and higher‐level staff as needed.
Client Access to Emergency and Medical Care. Clients may have access to medical care at any time. Client should communicate to a staff member on duty their need for medical care, if possible. If a client requires first aid items, they may access them from a shelter staff member at a service desk. The staff member may assist the client in first aid care with client’s permission, provided the staff member has received training in basic first aid, and utilizes universal precautions.
a. Medical Emergencies and Requests for Immediate Medical Attention and/or Care In case of emergency or where client needs or requests immediate medical care (other than basic first aid), the staff on duty will call 911 and follow instructions given by 911 dispatch. The staff person on the scene will contact other staff as soon as possible. If client is injured or incapacitated, staff will not move the client unless directed otherwise by 911 dispatch or first responders. Where appropriate, staff will check breathing and pulse and begin CPR if needed. One staff member or trained volunteer will attempt to keep the client comfortable and keep other clients away from the immediate scene, while another staff member will wait for emergency medical personnel (EMT’s), give medical personnel information about client, and direct them to client. Client shall always be given the option of ambulance transport. However, where responding EMT’s determine that the injury or illness does not actually require emergency ambulance transport, and that determination is documented in writing, client may, but shall not be required to, decline to be transported via ambulance, and may utilize another method of transport. Where emergency transport is declined, client must sign an emergency medical transport waiver in order to be eligible for alternate transport. Staff will then make arrangements for client to be transported to a hospital or other medical facility pursuant to the provisions of paragraph N.8. Medical Transport of the Transportation Policies, below. Following a client emergency or other medical incident (other than first aid), the Program Manager will be called as soon as possible. After the client incident has been controlled, the lead staff member will complete an Incident Report form which will be sent to the Program Manager and higher-level staff as needed.
