Toolkit with Report Form - Pennsylvania Coalition Against Domestic ...
Toolkit with Report Form - Pennsylvania Coalition Against Domestic ...
Toolkit with Report Form - Pennsylvania Coalition Against Domestic ...
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If a parent/guardian of a minor client or a<br />
friend of an injured adult is present, AND the<br />
injured person prefers to have them transport,<br />
a judgment call is required. Programs usually<br />
have emergency procedures that tell them<br />
to call 911 to obtain transport for injured<br />
victims. Ask yourself: ”Is the injured<br />
person capable of making a rational<br />
decision about their transportation?”<br />
If not, call 911.<br />
Death<br />
Critical incidents of this nature require:<br />
◗ Strong and competent leadership<br />
◗ Ongoing clear communication<br />
◗ Reliable documentation<br />
◗ Strict adherence to<br />
confidentiality policies<br />
Staff, volunteers, BOD and clients may<br />
be able to maintain a sense of safety and<br />
security if they see that someone is in charge<br />
and that the situation is under control. Sudden<br />
death usually evokes emotional and physical<br />
crisis reactions, which can be contained<br />
<strong>with</strong> proper planning and compassionate,<br />
trauma-informed responses. It can be<br />
tempting for the team and its leader to give<br />
over program decisions to family members<br />
or other agencies. It is recommended that the<br />
team stay in charge of program decisions to<br />
provide the maximum support and leadership<br />
to staff, volunteers, BOD, clients, the affected<br />
family, families of other clients, and the<br />
community.<br />
Death Notification<br />
Program staff is not responsible for<br />
making death notifications to families.<br />
Only professionals trained to provide<br />
death notification should be doing so. This<br />
notification is a task that falls under the<br />
purview of law enforcement. Religious/faith<br />
leaders are additional likely resources to<br />
provide notifications to family members.<br />
Communication and Confidentiality<br />
After death notification to the family, the<br />
next ripple is likely to be staff, volunteers,<br />
other residents and witnesses who require<br />
immediate notification. Public statements to<br />
the media should be reserved until all who<br />
“need to know” have been notified.<br />
Confidentiality remains a primary<br />
concern in such a situation. Contact<br />
the PCADV Legal Department for any<br />
guidance or technical assistance.<br />
Verification of Death, Securing<br />
Personal Items and Documentation<br />
In the event of the death of a resident, client,<br />
volunteer or staff person, do not move or<br />
touch the body. Secure confirmation of death<br />
from a medical professional only. Verification<br />
of information is a critical element when<br />
responding to sudden death incidents.<br />
Accuracy must be established and then<br />
verified by a second source.<br />
Section five<br />
Program staff can help the family<br />
access the Victim Compensation<br />
Assistance Program for funeral<br />
expenses and loss of support when<br />
applicable.<br />
When Crisis Strikes | <strong>Pennsylvania</strong> <strong>Coalition</strong> <strong>Against</strong> <strong>Domestic</strong> Violence | 2012 page 31