Module 3: Safety & Emergency Procedures

Learning Objectives

• Identify and mitigate common household hazards
• Implement fall prevention strategies
• Execute fire safety and weather emergency protocols
• Respond correctly in medical emergencies
• Document incidents accurately and promptly

✅ Daily Safety Checklist

• Clear pathways of clutter and tripping hazards
• Secure loose rugs with non-slip backing or remove them
• Ensure adequate lighting in all rooms, hallways, and stairs
• Check smoke and carbon monoxide detectors monthly
• Verify emergency contact information is accessible and current
• Check that medications are stored safely and out of reach
• Ensure grab bars are secure in bathroom and near toilet
• Confirm phone is charged and accessible at all times

Kitchen Safety

• Never leave cooking unattended
• Keep flammable items away from stove
• Use oven mitts, not towels, when handling hot items
• Ensure knives are stored safely
• Check that appliances are turned off after use

⚠️ Highest Risk Times for Falls

Transfers (bed to chair), bathroom use, and nighttime mobility account for over 60% of home care falls.

📋 Scenario: Fall Prevention

Situation: You arrive and notice Mr. Davis has placed a small rug at his bedside and his slippers are across the room.

✅ Correct Action: Secure or remove the rug, place slippers within reach, remind Mr. Davis to use the call button before getting up, and document the hazard correction in your visit notes.

🔥 Fire Emergency Response (RACE)

Rescue – Move client away from fire if safe to do so
Alarm – Pull fire alarm and call 911
Contain – Close doors to slow spread of fire
Evacuate – Assist client to nearest exit, do not use elevator

🚨 Emergency Response Protocol

1. Ensure your safety first
2. Call 911 immediately if client is unresponsive, not breathing, or in severe distress
3. Stay on the line with 911 dispatcher
4. Provide first aid within your training level (CPR if certified)
5. Unlock front door for emergency responders
6. Contact supervisor immediately
7. Document incident thoroughly

Signs Requiring Immediate 911 Call

• Unresponsiveness or difficulty waking
• Chest pain or pressure
• Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
• Signs of stroke: facial drooping, arm weakness, speech difficulty
• Severe bleeding that doesn't stop
• Suspected fall with injury
• Sudden severe headache
• Choking or airway obstruction

Every Incident Report Must Include:

• What happened (objective facts only)
• When it happened (exact time)
• Where it occurred (location in home)
• Who was involved and who witnessed
• Actions taken by caregiver
• Notifications made (supervisor, family, 911)
• Client's condition before and after

📋 Sample Incident Note

"At approximately 2:15 PM, client was ambulating from bedroom to bathroom when she lost her balance and held onto the door frame to prevent falling. No injury noted. Client was assisted to her recliner and stated she felt dizzy. Supervisor Jane Smith notified at 2:20 PM. Client's daughter notified at 2:30 PM. Client's vital signs appeared normal. Incident report completed."