Dealing with an emergency
- If a vulnerable person is in immediate danger or need of medical attention,
- A serious crime is in the process of being committed e.g. theft / rape / serious physical assault or
- A serious crime has just been committed/ the perpetrator still in the vicinity/others are at immediate risk of harm
Call the emergency services on 999
- If there is any possibility that forensic evidence exists preserve it, do not clean it up.
- Make sure, as far as you are able to, that the person is safe from further harm and has the support they need.
- Never promise that you will be able to keep anything you are told confidential. Tell the person that you may need to share what you are told.
- Record in detail the reasons for your concerns including what was said, using the person’s own words, any questions you have asked, details of any other witnesses who may have been present. Make sure you sign and date any notes you make.
- Ensure that the person with immediate responsibility for the safety and welfare of the vulnerable person is informed e.g. your line manager, the home manager, ward manager etc.
- Do not attempt to undertake any form of investigation yourself
Report your concerns
Your line manager or other senior manager in your organisation or, where you have managerial or professional responsibility e.g. registered manager, nurse, social worker etc, report to
Report in accordance with Oxfordshire Adult Protection/Safeguarding Adults Procedures - Guidance for Managers and Senior Care Professionals in Services for Adults at Risk of Abuse.
