Occupational Therapy Practice Emergency Response Protocol

1. General Emergency Preparedness

Required Equipment and Supplies

• First aid kit with OT-specific supplies
• Emergency contact information display
• Evacuation maps and routes
• Fire extinguishers
• Emergency lighting
• Patient transfer equipment

2. Medical Emergencies

Immediate Response Protocol

1. Assess scene safety
2. Check patient responsiveness
3. Call emergency services (911)
4. Begin appropriate first aid
5. Document incident

High-Risk Patient Situations

• Falls during therapy
• Cardiac events
• Respiratory distress
• Seizures
• Adverse reactions

3. Facility Emergencies

Fire Safety

• Activate R.A.C.E. protocol:
  • Rescue patients
  • Activate alarm
  • Contain fire
  • Evacuate

Natural Disasters

• Designated shelter areas
• Patient evacuation priorities
• Equipment protection procedures
• Communication protocols

4. Documentation Requirements

Incident Reports

• Patient information
• Event description
• Actions taken
• Witnesses
• Follow-up procedures

5. Staff Responsibilities

Emergency Team Roles

• Team leader
• First aid responder
• Communications coordinator
• Evacuation supervisor

6. Training Requirements

Annual Certification

• CPR/AED
• First aid
• Fire safety
• Emergency protocols

7. Post-Emergency Procedures

Recovery Protocol

1. Patient follow-up
2. Incident review
3. Protocol assessment
4. Equipment inspection
5. Staff debriefing