Lone Worker Policy
Dear Member,
It has been brought to our attention that a number of RRV Staff feel they are being harassed and pressured into attending situations that they feel are unsuitable/unsafe to attend. This situation is unacceptable; any staff that feel this is the case should refer the person they are speaking to back to the lone worker policy and then datix the incident ASAP.
To Reiterate the Lone Worker policy clearly States:
DISPATCH PROCEDURE
- Lone responders will not be asked to attend any of the incidents listed below, except as backup to an Ambulance crew however Lone responders can be dispatched to a rendezvous or holding point
- Incidents of a violent nature including domestic disturbances
- Incidents where the caller is aggressive with A/E communications centre Staff
- Psychiatric patients
- Any incidents in a public house, night club or other known licensed premises
- Any address previously highlighted as a risk to control or the rapid responder as an area of reported or potential disorder
- Any calls where the information is difficult to solicit by the A&E Communications Centre
Safety:
If a Lone Responder is asked to attend a call where they have genuine concerns about their safety, they will be despatched but asked to stand off until support is provided.
The responder must carry on their person a mobile phone/Airwaves radio at all times to update the EOC of the situation and their whereabouts so that EOC staff can update responders with any additional information.
If a Lone Responder is dispatched to attend any call/location where they (the responder) have concerns about their personal safety, or where the call is identified to the responder as a potential high risk, the responder will drive towards the scene under blue light condition for emergency calls and will stand by at a suitable safe distance (holding point) which by their experience and local knowledge is known to the Lone Responder.
The Lone Responder must advice the EOC as soon as it’s practicably possible of the holding point location so there is no confusion as to whether the RRV is actually on scene at the incident or the holding point.
If the Lone Responder is unfamiliar with the area/location/building to which they are being dispatched, caution should be taken on the approach and a dynamic scene risk assessment should be undertaken to ensure their personal safety. If the Lone Responder arrives on scene at a particular location/address and in their opinion it feels unsafe to proceed they should immediately withdraw to a place of safety and advice EOC accordingly.
Lone Responders should not proceed into any venue/location where they consider that there is a potential or perceived risk of harm towards themselves or their colleagues. YAS recognises that some incidents staff attend can become highly volatile very quickly. The safety and welfare of staff is of the utmost importance in situations where there is a potential for personal injury or harm staff should immediately exit the scene to a place of safety.
If the vehicle (RRV) has no mobile or the phone is unserviceable, EOC must be contacted immediately and will contact the Operational Supervisor who will organise for a replacement phone. Only when the phone number has been logged with control will the vehicle be deemed serviceable and available for dispatch.
Staff must inform EOC of telephone black spots and should check that mobile radio transmissions work as a backup before engaging at an incident.
EOC will contact RRV drivers after 10 minutes of arrival on scene to ensure the member of staff is safe.
All Lone Responders are fully protected by this policy and should be adhered to at all times. If any Lone Responder feels pressurised by EOC or line managers to attend such incident must quote the policy and datix the incident immediately and contact your local rep.
Many thanks UNISON Yorkshire Ambulance Branch Committee
