Clinic Plan: Onsite Medical Emergency or Incident

Whether faced with a sudden fall, dangerously high blood pressure, or another urgent incident, therapists must be prepared to act swiftly, prioritize safety, and coordinate appropriate medical assistance. This plan outlines clear, step‑by‑step procedures to ensure therapists can respond effectively, protect patient well‑being, and maintain professional standards of care.

For All Patients

LifeCare maintains patient care policies designed to ensure that medical stability is routinely assessed before the initiation of therapy services. These policies require a baseline evaluation of vital signs and, when clinically indicated by the patient’s diagnosis (e.g., orthostatic hypotension), ongoing monitoring during therapy sessions. In addition, all staff are expected to apply a gait belt during treatment to enhance patient safety, allowing the therapist to provide adequate support and reduce the risk of injury in the event of a fall or loss of balance.

Therapists are to be familiar with and follow the Vital Sign Guidelines for Therapy.

FIRST PERSON ON SCENE

1. Yell for help.

2. Dial 911

3. Give way to persons with greater knowledge

4. Obtain emergency medical/first aid supplies.

FIRST-aid/CPR CERTIFIED INDIVIDUAL ON SCENE WILL:

1. Conduct a secondary survey

2. Administer first aid or CPR until EMS arrives.

SUPPORT STAFF:

1. Copy necessary forms to accompany person to the hospital:

a. Copy Patient Face Sheet for patients

b. Copy Staff Demographic Sheet for team members

2. Help clear the way for the emergency team and evacuation.

Emergency contacts must be notified of the incident by office staff, and an Incident Report must be completed.