Safety Techniques

Environmental safety in a facility

100

Keep equipment stored in a secure area and always keep track of these to ensure a safe environment.

Keys

200

Organize these to permit quick, accurate counts of potential safety hazards.

Any tools or materials utilized in OT sessions

300

Sit closest to this when running a group session in the OT room.

Exit door

400

A technique to utilize before OT recipients arrive to a group session to ensure your full attention is on the group members.

Have all tools and materials ready/on hand.

500

This is a general safety procedure to know regardless of clinical setting/organization.

Local fire code

Medical emergencies and first aid

100

This condition is characterized by rigidity, jerking motions, voiding of feces, respiratory arrest

Seizure

200

OTPs can manage these things through basic medical first aid if they are minor.

Cuts and burns

300

The name of the side effect from psychotropic medications that causes sunburn.

Photosensitivity

400

The method for treating minor bumps, bruises, strains or sprains.

RICE 

500

This type of precaution should be followed at all times, regardless of the setting.

Universal precautions

Psychiatric emergencies

100

This is a more common (and fatal) occurrence for an inpatient setting but can happen anywhere.

Suicide

200

A synonymous term for an inpatient leaving/escaping from a facility without being discharged. 

Elopement

300

The best course of action if you hear someone expressing suicidal ideation/intent.

Contact psychiatric staff immediately

400

This type of violent behavior by an inpatient is not suitable for occupational therapy.

Assault (potential for assault)

500

These are actions to take if an assault is imminent.

Remain as calm as possible, call for help, and remove everyone from the area as possible. Use of restraint as a last resort.

Community safety

100

Education regarding these types of safety considerations is fair game for a community-based OTP. 

Household and personal safety 

Personal hygiene

Basic first aid

Medication safety 

200

These types of client factor/performance skill deficits can lead to safety hazards.

Cognitive or visual

300

This point person would be helpful to identify during an initial session with a community dwelling adult functioning at a lower cognitive level.

Emergency contact 

400

An example of an environmental safety feature to reduce risk of wandering.

Deadbolts, door alarms, sensors

500

Home safety considerations to support someone with severe cognitive impairment may include.

Nightlights, labeled doors or signage, clear walking paths