Emergencies can happen anytime. As an Independent Support Worker Provider on Kynd, it’s vital to be prepared to ensure the safety and wellbeing of the people you support.
This guide will help you understand the key aspects of emergency management, and how to meet your obligation under the NDIS Code of Conduct in this regard.
Why is Emergency Planning Important?
Good emergency management involves careful planning to prepare for and respond to emergencies like (but not limited to) bushfires, cyclones, and floods.
Planning is essential to make sure everyone stays safe. It also helps the people you support feel more in control during difficult situations.
Personal Emergency Plans
A personal emergency plan details an individual’s support needs and any specific risks they may face.
Plans outline proactive co-designed strategies to implement when an emergency occurs, because it may be too late to plan during a crisis.
What should a Personal Emergency Plan include?
- Emergency Contacts: Include the participant’s emergency contacts and their support network.
- Health Information: Keep details of any medications, health conditions, and contact information for health professionals.
- Communication Needs: Note the person’s preferred method of communication.
- Support Strategies: Include strategies for mental health or positive behavior support.
- Mobility and Equipment: Record details of mobility aids, medical devices (especially life preserving and life saving devices that need power to operate), and personal care items.
- Other Providers: With permission, include details of other support providers.
- Emergency Scenarios: The plan should outline how to manage different emergencies, like evacuations, loss of power, or when to shelter in place.
Communicating and Reviewing Plans
It is important that plans are easy for everyone to understand.
With the Participants permission, emergency plans should be shared with necessary people in the person's support network e.g. family, friends, other providers.
These plans should be checked regularly and updated whenever there are changes in the person’s circumstances.
It's also a good idea to practice emergency drills.
Your Role as an Independent Support Worker
Your role is vital in ensuring the safety and wellbeing of Participants before, during, and after an emergency.
As an Independent Support Worker Provider, it is your responsibility to be familiar with the Participants personal emergency plan i s0 proactively ask for a copy. If they do not have one, you can assist them to develop one.
Where to Find More Information
There are many resources available to help you prepare for emergencies. Here are a few.