AB5.2014 Assess and act upon immediate risk of danger to individuals who have used alcohol and other substances

Overview

For this standard you will need to assess the immediate risk of danger to individuals who have used alcohol and other substances, act upon the immediate risk of danger and support the individual once the immediate risk of danger has passed. This standard relates to substances which may include alcohol, prescription and over-the-counter medicines, controlled or currently legal drugs, and new psychoactive substances. Users of this standard will need to ensure that practice reflects up to date information and policies. Version No 2

Knowledge and Understanding

You will need to know and understand:

1. legal, organisational and policy requirements relevant to your role and the activities being carried out
2. the partner agencies in the local area
3. how to adapt communication styles in ways which meet the individual's needs, strengths and capabilities
4. your responsibility and accountability for the wellbeing of individuals
5. how to support the choice and wellbeing of the individual which is appropriate to their needs and preferences
6. how to calm and reassure individuals who have used substances, ensuring their safety and wellbeing at all times
7. how to calm and reassure other people in the immediate vicinity, ensuring their safety and wellbeing at all times
8. when and how to move an individual to make them comfortable
9. when and how to administer first aid to individuals and by whom
10. when and how to ensure emergency services are called
11. the importance of gathering full and accurate information and how to do so
12. how to report accurately
13. the importance of identifying any gaps and ensuring the accurate reporting of information
14. how to recognise and deal with immediate risk of danger to individuals who have used substances
15. the range of different substances, their effects and potential risks
16. the appropriate actions / options available when the immediate risk of danger has passed
17. the rights of individuals with whom you come into contact
18. the principles of equality, diversity and anti-discriminatory practice and how they are applied
19. the principle of confidentiality and the implications for your practice
20. the importance of keeping full and accurate records, and how to do so in line with organisational requirements

Performance Criteria

You must be able to do the following:

1. ascertain any signs of immediate risk of danger
2. request further support and assistance, as required, without delay
3. ensure your own personal safety and of any other person near the individual
4. make the individual aware that you are available and willing to help
5. obtain personal details from the individual or any person near the individual who has used the substance
6. obtain information on the substance used from the individual or any person near the individual who has used the substance
7. encourage the individual to describe any pain or discomfort they may be experiencing
8. act upon the immediate risks to danger consistent with agency policies and procedures and your own role
9. take actions which are appropriate to the substance used and the effect it has had on the individual
10. if the individual is in an agitated state, take steps to calm the individual if safe to do so
11. take immediate steps to revive the individual, if the individual seems to be in a withdrawn state
12. administer first aid, if safe to do so
13. interact with the individual in a manner which recognises their needs and rights
14. make the individual as comfortable as possible and only move the individual if necessary for their safety
15. make the environment as safe as possible and remove all dangerous substances and materials
16. encourage the individual to explore the implications / outcomes of the incident
17. support the individual to enable them to meet their needs
18. encourage the individual to seek further support and assistance
19. accurately record all information and report to the appropriate person in the required format

Additional Information

This National Occupational Standard was developed by Skills for Health.This standard links with the following dimension within the NHS Knowledge and Skills Framework (October 2004): Dimension: HWB3 Protection of health and wellbeing