Non-Medical Emergencies - Non-medical emergencies deal with emergencies such as fire or weather-related events. The person should have a plan for what to do when the PCA is present as well as what to do if the PCA is not working. The qualified professional (QP) and person should be able to plan for both types of events.

Fire Safety - A good fire safety plan should note where the smoke alarms are in the home where you will be providing PCA services. The plan should also say if there are fire extinguishers in the home. Check these items for working order.

The QP should meet with the person or responsible party and the PCA, to work out the best plan. Items that need to be covered in the plan include:

·        Time needed to remove the person from the home.

·        Special equipment needed to remove the person from the home.

·        Number of people needed to remove the person from the home.

The fire safety plan becomes the steps the PCA will follow if there is a fire in the home. The primary concern should always be for the safety of the person and the PCA.

The acronym RACE will help you remember the steps to take when there is a fire:

R – RESCUE. Follow the plan to remove the person from danger.

A – ALARM/ALERT. Call 911 to report the fire.

C – CONTAIN. Take what steps are possible to contain the fire without risking yourself or the person.

E – EXTINGUISH OR EVACUATE. Put the fire out if it is safe to do so or EVACUATE and wait for the fire department to arrive.

If a fire extinguisher is available and the fire is small, use the PASS method to put out the fire:

P – PULL the pin on the extinguisher.

A – AIM the nozzle at the base of the fire.

S – SQUEEZE the trigger to allow the water or carbon dioxide out of the extinguisher. (Remember, fire extinguishers can be noisy!)

S – SWEEP from side to side until the flames are extinguished.

Do not turn your back on a fire because it can flare up. Always have the fire department check the area to make sure the fire is completely out. Most importantly, be aware that smoke is more dangerous than the flames. Always play it safe with your security and the safety of the person receiving PCA services.

Weather Related Events - You cannot control the weather. However, you can control how to react when there is a weather emergency.

We think of a tornado or hurricanes as the main type of weather emergency in Mississippi. The loss of power or heat due to a thunderstorm, ice storm or flooding may also create a weather emergency for a person with special health needs.

Everyone should have a plan for emergencies. Visit MSEMA.org to learn how to plan for emergencies.

·        How to create a home plan.

·        A plan for each type of emergency.

·        Checklists.

·        Determining if evacuation is possible and deciding on a location.

·        Supply kit.

·        Transportation needs.

·        Who will be notified and how?

A checklist can guide you through an emergency. Items to include are:

·        Names and telephone numbers of emergency contacts.

·        Location of a supply kit, radio and first aid kit.

A supply kit should contain the following:

·        An extra set of eyeglasses.

·        Blanket or sleeping bag.

·        Change of clothing.

·        Copy of pertinent medical records.

·        One week's worth of medication and medical supplies.

·        Some water and non-perishable food items.

Module 8. Professional Documentation Practices

1.      Always use respectful person first language about the person you support.

2.      Always complete documentation in a timely manner.

3.      Always indicate time stamps for your documentation.

Additional Rules for Handwritten Documentation

1.      Use black or dark blue ink pen because this photocopies better. It also shows up better when documentation needs to be faxed.

2.      Write in a legible manner. Remember, many people will be reading your handwriting.

3.      Always sign what you have written.

4.      If you make an error in your documentation, place a straight line through the error, initial the error, and then continue with your documentation.

5.      Use all the lines in your log book. Place lines through any unused space that your signature may cover.

Additional Rules for Handwritten and Electronic Documentation

1.      NEVER go back into an electronic entry and change information, even if the software used allows correcting entries. It is always better to create a new entry that explains inaccuracies or errors. Avoid using cut and paste features unless you carefully check your entry for accuracy.

2.      NEVER document an incident or event for another person. If there are two staff members that witness an incident, each person must complete separate documentation.

3.      NEVER sign something that someone else documented. Complete your own documentation.

4.      DO not use abbreviations that most people will not understand. If there are acceptable abbreviations at your agency you may use them. However, be sure that they are listed with the documentation for all people to see.

5.      NEVER erase a mistake or use White Out or Liquid Paper to correct an error.

6.      NEVER use a pencil or erasable ink.

Reminder!

Every employer is different and may have specific policies and guidelines for documenting information. As a direct support professional, you should always check with your employer or supervisor for specific policies and procedures that will guide your documentation practices.