At EMED, our teams do more than transport patients safely from A to B. Often, they’re the first, and sometimes the only, people to step into a patient’s home and see what others might miss. And when something doesn’t feel right, they know what to do.
Safeguarding in Action
Earlier this year, one of our crews flagged serious safeguarding concerns after dropping off an elderly patient who had just been discharged from hospital. The home environment was clearly unsuitable – it was unclean, lacking basic supplies and with no sign of immediate support in place. The patient appeared confused, disoriented and possibly unable to care for herself.
Our team followed protocol, reporting their concerns via RADAR straight away, a process that triggers reporting to the relevant authorities… Their observations triggered an urgent multi-agency response that led to the patient being re-admitted to hospital just two days later. The follow-up investigation confirmed that our crew acted entirely appropriately and that their intervention likely prevented further deterioration or harm.
A Vital Role in Patient Safety
Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility but EMED crews are uniquely placed to spot the signs. Our teams are often the only visitors to some patients’ homes and the nature of our service means we spend time with people during moments of vulnerability. That puts us in a privileged position and a powerful one when it comes to speaking up on behalf of those who might not be able to do so themselves.
This case is a powerful reminder of why safeguarding training is such a core part of what we do. It also shows how effective, compassionate care can extend beyond the journey itself.
Well Done to the Crew
We’re incredibly proud of the crew involved in this case. They acted swiftly, sensitively and exactly as they were trained to. Their actions helped ensure the right support was put in place and that the patient wasn’t left to cope alone.
Safeguarding matters, and thanks to the professionalism and vigilance of our staff, vulnerable patients can be safer in our care.
