MISSING RESIDENT LEVEL SEARCH

(STAFF MEMBER NOTES RESIDENT IS MISSING)

 

LEVEL I – HASTY SEARCH (APPROXIMATELY 5 MINUTES) A census of halls by all staff coordinated by Shift Supervisor. Shift Supervisor to contact Law Enforcement and NCPL to report missing resident.

 

LEVEL II – DETAILED SEARCH (APPROXIMATELY 10 MINUTES) With appropriate law enforcement/NCPL notified a detailed search of the building can be done by staff. Detailed search of the building includes all rooms, closets, bathrooms, basements, stairwells, etc. Residents in facility need to remain in a controlled environment during a detailed search. Areas such as dining rooms or days rooms are ideal areas. IMPORTANT: LEVEL I AND II SEARCH NEED TO BE COMPLETED IN APPROXIMATELY 15 MINUTES. TIME IS VERY IMPORTANT IN THE SEARCH FOR A MISSING RESIDENT.

 

LEVEL III – WITH APPROPRIATE LAW ENFOREMENT/NCPL NOTIFIED A SEARCH OF THE OUTSIDE OF FACILITY CAN BEGIN. This search should be done by the Shift Supervisor. This allows the rest of the staff to continue their care of residents. Floor staff should remain inside facility. Shift Supervisor should search around the building staying approximately 20 ft from building. Shift Supervisor should exit and re-enter the same door. All vehicles on facility grounds should remain until appropriate law enforcement/NCPL arrive at the facility. Shift Supervisor will also need to notify Administrator, Manager, or On-Call Supervisor.

 

 

 

 

 

Things your Facility can do to be Prepared for a Search

 

1. Become a part of North Carolina Project Lifesaver’s Program.

A. For high risk patients North Carolina Project Lifesaver has electronic transmitting equipment that your staff is trained and certified in.

B. Has a certified search team that is available by request.

C. Has certified canine for search and cadaver.

D. Trained certified personnel to manage a search team.

E. Have an investigation team assist the facility to reduce the any possible allegations.

 

2. Properly receiving and maintaining a scent article for all residents .

Take a 4x4 sterile gauze; let the resident take the sterile gauze out of the package. Have the resident rub the sterile gauze around his/her neck area. Then have the resident place the gauze into a zip lock bag. Place the residents name and the date scent article was taken on the outside of the bag. By placing the bag in the freezer the scent article will be good up to 5 years. (If resident is unable to get scent article for you use gloves to obtain a scent article.)

 

3. Have the Resident Profile and Resident Information form filled out for all residents. NOTE: DO NOT fill in clothing last seen in until subject becomes missing.

4. Other things you can do.

A. Take pictures of all residents in the facility. (Recommended yearly)

B. Take pictures of all the residents’ shoes. (Bottom)

C. Plant shrubs around walk ways to keep residents on path.

D. Have fencing put up around the facility property.

 

North Carolina Project Lifesaver

Check-off Sheet For Missing Resident

 

 

Door alarm goes off or resident is missing.

Name of person filling out form____________________________

Date____________ Time_________

Door Alarm or Resident discovered missing:

Approx. time of alarm___________

Supervisor or Aide checks door and outside of door.

Level I search started Time_____________

Seal missing resident room door. Time__________

Level II search started Time_____________

Call 911 to report missing resident. Time__________

(If contracted call North Carolina Project Lifesaver)

Level III search started Time_____________

Administrator or on call person contacted Time__________

Supervisor, Administrator or on call person give Police/NCPL on arrival:

a) information sheet on resident

b) picture

c) any other information needed

Administrator to call :

a) Owner Time__________

b) CountyDSS Time__________

c) Family Time__________