2008

SAFETY IN THE COMMUNITY

Take the following precautions before visiting a patient’s home:

Appearance

• Wear a name badge or something that clearly identifies you as a member of the medical community.
• Call the patient’s home in advance of your first visit.  Confirm directions to the residence.
• Always have change in your pocket for a phone call; do not carry a purse; lock it in the trunk of your car.

Precautions When Traveling 

Car

• Keep your car in good working order and with a full tank of fuel.  Obtain an automobile club membership for assistance with car problems.
• Consider using a personal cellular phone to maximize communication and personal safety.
• Store a blanket in your car in the winter.
• If your car fails, turn on emergency flashers, contact the police.  Do not accept rides from strangers.  If you can, contact Home Health Specialists.  If we can assist you, we will.
• Keep your car locked when it is parked and when you are driving.  Keep the windows rolled up if possible.
• Park in full view of the patient’s residence.  (Avoid parking in alleys or deserted side streets.)

In The Home Environment

• Use common walkways in building.  Avoid isolated stairs or darkened, unlit areas.
• Always knock on the door before entering a patient’s home.

** When you are scheduled, notify Home Health Specialists clinical manager of car trouble, auto accident or other incident for further instructions when personal safety is in question.

*Never go into or stay in a home if you feel your personal safety is in question.  Always respect and listen to your gut feelings.

2008

ELECTRICAL SAFETY

• Routinely check the condition of equipment, electrical cords, and outlets.

• Whenever possible, use equipment that is grounded.

• Do not use outlets that are cracked, show burn marks, or do not hold plugs securely.

• Do not use any plug with bent prongs.

• Do not use power cords that are nicked, frayed or otherwise damaged.

• Equipment that has been obviously damaged, had had fluid spilled on it, or is excessively dirty should not be used before calling the equipment supply company for further direction.

• Avoid touching a patient and conductive or metallic surface at the same time.

• Avoid touching 2 pieces of electrical equipment at the same time.

• If you receive a shock (not static electricity) when touching any part of an electrical instrument, get back up equipment reedy, unplug equipment immediately, disconnect patient – attach patient to back up equipment and call supply company for replacement.

• When plugging in equipment – hold plug cap not the cord.

• Insert and withdraw the plug cap in a straight line, not at an angle.

• Before attaching a patient to equipment – first plug into wall with power switch off.  Patient should be disconnected from equipment before unplugging.
  

Take the Safety in the Community Test.