> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.arborconnect.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.arborconnect.com/safety-first/emergency-response.md).

# Emergency Response and Procedures

## Medical emergencies — calling 911

If a resident becomes severely ill or is ever injured and appears to be in need of emergency medical services while you are working, do the following:

* Stay with the resident, remain calm and call the nearest team member for help;
* Ask that team member to get the Resident Care Director if he/she is in the building or call the Manager on Duty if no manager is in the building;
* Call 911 immediately and:
  * Speak clearly and let the operator know whether you need medical assistance, police or fire and rescue
  * Give your name, and the name and address of the community
  * Give the resident's name
  * Describe the emergency (What happened? When and where did it happen?)
  * Send someone to the front door of the building to meet the emergency personnel
  * Make two copies of the resident's information sheet, MAR and DNR, Power of Attorney if available
* Reassure the resident while you are waiting for help to arrive;
* Provide first aid if necessary;
* Begin CPR if indicated;
* The Resident Care Director, Manager on Duty or supervisor will call the family or responsible party and tell them about the incident;
* Notify the ER that a resident is coming;
* Have a team member accompany the resident to the ER if at all possible;
* The supervisor will complete an incident report;

## Fire safety

Knowing how to respond in the event of fire is an incredibly important part of your job. As part of your orientation, you will review the fire evacuation procedure in your community and your role during a fire drill. We practice fire drills once a month in order to be prepared in the event a fire breaks out.

If a fire occurs, evacuate residents who are in immediate danger first. Be sure to close all doors after escorting residents to safety. If a door handle is hot to the touch, do not open the door. Wait for help to arrive.

Our community is wired with smoke detectors in all common areas and resident apartments, as well as sprinkler systems which will help extinguish a fire if one breaks out. You are a vital part of the fire safety program.

## Elevator safety

In a fire emergency, elevators will go to the nearest floor and shut down. Don't try to use the elevator to evacuate residents.

If you get stuck in an elevator, remember that you can call for help. The emergency phone will call the front desk.

If you know that an elevator is stuck between floors, go to each floor of the building and call loudly toward the elevator doors to see if anyone is inside the elevator. If you hear a response, reassure anyone inside the elevator that help is on the way. Tell your supervisor to make the necessary calls to get assistance. If you can't tell whether anyone is in the elevator or not, you may need to do a head count of residents and team members.

## Weather emergencies

Depending on where it is, your Community may be vulnerable to tornados, hurricanes, severe thunderstorms or snow storms.

Your main job in the event of a weather emergency is to STAY CALM and keep residents calm. Your community has emergency supplies (flashlights, blankets, extra food and water) as well as first-aid kits. Your supervisor will provide you with instructions if a weather emergency takes place. If you are working when inclement weather occurs, you will be expected to stay in the community until replacements arrive. If it is necessary for you to spend the night in the community due to weather, you will be paid for all the hours you spend there.

## Loss of power

Now and then our Communities will lose power, usually for a very short period of time. Don't worry. Many of our Communities have back-up generators which continue to power the lights for several hours. All have a supply of flashlights to use if more light is needed. If the power goes out during severe weather heat or cold for an extended period of time, your Executive Director will make the decision about whether or not to evacuate residents.

Remember, if the power ever goes off, be sure to check the elevator as described above to make sure no one is stuck between floors.

## Emergency phone list

Every community has an emergency phone list with names and home numbers of department heads as well as numbers for repair services or emergency assistance. You will be shown your Community's list during orientation. If an emergency happens while you're at work and you don't know what to do, use the emergency phone list to call for help.


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