Safe Driving, Safety & DSP Success

Whole Life Approach — Appendix I Training

Required training for every Direct Support Professional. Covers driving, client transport, home safety, emergencies, and the practices that keep everyone safe.

Version 2.0

Effective June 2026

Review Annually

Foundation

Three Practices We Commit To

Practices, not promises. A promise is a one-time vow. A practice is something you return to. None of us is a perfect driver — the practice itself is the protection.

Practice 1 — The Rules

I will practice following the laws of the road and the rules of safe support, with or without a client present.

Practice 2 — Honesty

I will be honest about my mistakes with passengers and with myself. Honesty leads to better driving and better support.

Practice 3 — Fit to Work

I will not drive or support clients under the influence of anything that affects my judgment, perception, or coordination. If I am unfit, I will not drive and I will not work the shift.

Getting Started

How to Use This Training

First time through

Read cover-to-cover before your first shift. Sign the acknowledgment. This deck mirrors the full manual at Appendix I.

After that

Use it as a reference. Pull it up when a real situation comes up. The Wrap-Up section has a quick tip sheet and the top 15 takeaways.

With clients

The Safety section (pedestrian, outdoor, emergency prep, home review, transfers) is written to be used WITH clients during home reviews and outings.

If in doubt

Ask the ED. "I wasn't sure" is not a defense for any mandatory reporting situation — call and let the experts decide.

Navigation: Use arrow keys, swipe, or click the top buttons to jump between sections. Progress bar at the bottom shows where you are.

01

Driving

A high-risk activity when not practicing safety. Client and staff work together to make it safer.

§ I.1 — Driving Law

Hard Rules — Don't Break These

When the Oregon Driver Manual and the ORS conflict, ORS wins. These are the rules that are actually enforced.

Rule	What Actually Happens
Valid license + insurance + business-use rider	Instant problem at any stop. Routinely checked.
Seatbelts on every passenger	Primary offense — officer can stop you for this alone. Ticket per person.
Full stop at signs, lights, red arrows	"California stops" routinely ticketed. No right-on-red from a red arrow.
No hand-held phone	Hands-free is legal. Holding a phone — even at a light — is ticketed.
BAC limits	0.08% adult / 0.04% commercial / 0.00% under 21. Test alone convicts.
Move Over law (ORS 811.147)	Emergency vehicle or hazards on — change lanes OR slow to 5 mph below the limit. Fines ~$260+.
Headlights when wipers on	Daytime running lights aren't enough — full headlights including taillights.
Stop for white cane or guide dog	ORS 811.035 — even outside crosswalks, even against signals.

§ I.1 — Real-World Enforcement

What Actually Gets Enforced

Honest information about real-world enforcement so you can drive defensively in the real world — not the manual world. Not endorsements to break the law.

Practice	Honest Reality
Speed limit	Oregon's actual law is the Basic Rule — drive at a speed reasonable for conditions, never above the posted maximum. The posted number is the legal ceiling — you can be cited for any speed above it. On highways with ideal conditions, up to ~5 mph over generally isn't stopped, but this is NOT a guaranteed safe zone. With a client in the car, stay at or below the posted limit.
Left lane	Staying left without actively passing is a violation (ORS 811.315). Move right when not passing.
Following distance	Tailgating cited under ORS 811.485 — usually only when a crash happens. Three seconds dry, more in rain. Every time.
How traffic stops work	Officers need an observed violation or equipment problem to initiate a stop — speeding, rolling stop, broken taillight, expired tags. Once you're stopped, anything in plain view becomes part of the encounter.
Passengers and ID	Passengers don't have to identify themselves at routine stops. Your client is a passenger — their ID isn't required.
Tickets	Contest at the court date. Unpaid tickets → suspension under ORS 809.220. Pay or contest. Never ignore.

If you receive any ticket, citation, violation, or infraction (other than a parking ticket) — notify the ED immediately: alandra.morin@whole-life-approach.com. This applies whether you were on shift or off shift. MVR changes affect your ability to keep driving for WLA.

§ I.2 — Pre-Drive

Before Every Drive — 30 Seconds

You

Am I fit — rested, sober, calm?
Any new medication today?
Emotionally settled?

The Vehicle

Quick walk-around: tires, lights, windows
Mirrors, seat, navigation set BEFORE the key turns
Phone in mount, on silent or drive-mode
Nothing loose on the driver's-side floor — a rolling water bottle or bag under the brake pedal is a real risk
Belongings secured so they won't fly forward in a hard brake
Any legal cannabis stored per Appendix H — sealed child-resistant container, out of driver's reach. Never in transit otherwise.

The Client

Seatbelt on
Mobility device stowed in trunk
Personal items secured (won't fly forward in a brake)

Liability Honest Note

WLA's commercial auto insurance may not cover an accident that happens while you're driving against Oregon law. Distracted driving is the clearest way to put yourself outside coverage.

§ I.2 — Phones & Distraction

Phone Use Behind the Wheel

Acceptable

Hands-free only — phone in a mount, voice commands, Bluetooth, speaker
Destination set BEFORE you start driving
Brief work calls if the client agrees and is independent in that moment
If a call needs real attention — pull over and finish it before driving on

Not Acceptable

Holding the phone — even at a red light
Changing the route mid-drive
Personal calls during a shift unless emergency
Eyes off the road for more than 2 seconds (doubles crash risk)

The script that works: When a client wants something handled while you're driving — "Can you wait until the next stop? I'll take care of it then." Clear, kind, no judgment.

§ I.3 — Defensive Driving

Five Habits That Prevent Crashes

Habit	What It Looks Like
Look far ahead	Scan 12–15 seconds down the road. Spot brake lights, debris, lane changes early.
Generous following distance	3 seconds dry, double in rain, triple in snow or ice.
Mirror checks every 5–8 seconds	Know what's beside and behind you BEFORE you brake or change lanes. Head-check the blind spot.
Communicate intentions	Signal at least 100 feet before a turn. Brake gently — warns the car behind.
Always have an escape	Leave space at stops so you could pull around. Know which lane you'd move to if the car ahead suddenly stops.

§ I.3 — The Six Most Likely Crashes

What Goes Wrong, and How to Prevent It

1. Rear-ending another car

Cause: Following too close, distracted, sudden brake by lead car.

Move: 3+ second gap. Scan ahead. Ease off the gas instead of slamming brakes.

2. Left-turn intersection crash

Cause: Misjudged gap in oncoming traffic.

Move: Wait for a comfortable 4–6 second gap. If unsure, wait.

3. Sideswipe on lane change

Cause: Didn't check the blind spot.

Move: Mirror, signal, head-check, move. Never mirrors alone.

4. Run-off-road on a curve

Cause: Speed too high, fatigue, gravel.

Move: Slow BEFORE the curve. Accelerate gently through it.

5. Pedestrian or bicyclist hit

Cause: Right-turn-on-red without checking crosswalk; speed near schools.

Move: ALWAYS check the crosswalk before any right turn. Slow near schools, parks, transit.

6. Vehicle from driveway/side road

Cause: Driver didn't see them coming out.

Move: Reduce speed near driveways and rural intersections. Expect the unexpected.

§ I.4 — DUII

The Section That Protects You Most

A DUII while employed by WLA is a near-certain end of employment in this role AND likely the end of similar I/DD work in Oregon. Absorb this deeply.

0.08%

BAC — Per Se DUII

Below 0.08% can still convict if observably impaired

24h

Cannabis Impairment

Per Oregon law enforcement testimony. No numeric limit — observable impairment standard.

$10–15k

First-Offense Cost

Plus years of higher insurance, jail/community service, license suspension, IID

The Standard: If there is ANY chance you are impaired — alcohol, cannabis, prescription, OTC, illness, fatigue, emotion — you do not drive. You call out the shift. The cost of one missed shift is nothing compared to the cost of one DUII.

02

Driving With Clients

Standards, scripts, and the lines that don't move: medication, mobility devices, smoking, errands, and what to do when emotions run high on the road.

§ I.2 — Real-World Scripts

What to Say When It Gets Hard

Honest, kind, no-judgment language for the situations that come up most.

When this happens	Say this
Client wants something handled while you're driving (snack, music, climate)	"Can you wait until the next stop / when we get to the parking lot? I'll take care of it then."
Client asks you to call someone mid-drive	"Remind me when we get to [destination] and I'll call from there."
You realize you missed a turn	"I missed that turn — I'm going to find a safe place to turn around. Sorry for the extra few minutes." Honest beats pretending.
Conditions are getting bad (rain, snow, traffic)	"I'm going to slow down — the road's not great right now. We'll get there safely."
You need to take a non-essential call	Don't. Or wait until you're parked. The shift is the client's time.

§ I.2 — Devices & Medication

Two Lines That Don't Move

Mobility Devices

WLA vehicles are personal vehicles — not wheelchair-securement vans.

Client transfers to a regular seat with a regular seatbelt
Wheelchair, walker, cane, rollator goes in the trunk (folded if it folds)
Can't transfer? Coordinate accessible transport with the case manager
Heavy or motorized chair? Check weight before lifting. Don't exceed safe limits.

Medication

WLA does not provide medication administration. Clients self-administer.

Client carries their own meds, in their own bag, on their own person
Staff do NOT carry or store client medication in the vehicle
Reminder or setup tasks may be allowed per the ISP — but staff never handle the medication directly unless explicitly authorized
Controlled substances stay in the client's personal possession and belongings, secured at all times

End of shift — check the vehicle. No client medications, belongings, or controlled substances should be left in the vehicle after a shift ends. Make a final walk-around or seat check before you leave. Any item left behind is returned to the client as soon as possible.

§ I.2 — Substances in the Vehicle

Smoking, Vaping, Cannabis

Cannabis in the vehicle

Prohibited. Always. Non-negotiable.

Legal cannabis in transit must be in a sealed child-resistant container, out of driver's reach (per Appendix H).

Staff cigarette/vape

Prohibited during service delivery by default.

If you smoke or vape during a paid break, you must consider the client: plenty of distance between you and the client, downwind, and only during an actual break period — not active support time.

In the vehicle

Only when client and staff agree to conditions together, no one else is negatively impacted, and the situation fits the case-by-case exception below.

Client cigarette/vape: ED-approved exception possible. Conditions: client permission documented, client also smokes in their own car, no other clients, no medically vulnerable people, windows open, never during shared transport.

Honest acknowledgment: Secondhand smoke is a documented health risk. The exception above is permitted case-by-case — not "safe by default."

§ I.2 — Personal Errands

The Client's Time Is Theirs

Not yours. That's the rule. Two narrow practical allowances exist — and the default answer is still "no."

Acceptable

If you're already at a store with the client, you may grab a couple of personal items at the SAME store
A quick pickup — not a full grocery run
Check the route timing first. Confirm no time pressure for the client.
Hold the client's time as valuable. Don't make them late for the next thing.

Not Acceptable

Rerouting the shift to a different store for your errand
Using the client's time, vehicle, or shift for an errand that delays their plans
Anything that makes the client wait

The default is "no." Do it on your own time when in doubt.

§ I.3 — Road Rage

Road Rage — Don't Drag the Client Into It

Recognize Road Rage in Yourself

Tighter grip. Jaw clenched. Internal narration shifts from "that was unsafe" to "that driver is an idiot." Urge to retaliate. Defuse: deep breath, drop your shoulders, increase distance, narrate calmly if a client is present.

Oregon explicitly bans mutual combat (ORS 161.215(3)). If you and another adult fight in any public place — even if they swung first, even if both of you agreed — BOTH can be arrested. Fighting in public is also disorderly conduct. One punch causing any injury is fourth-degree assault.

The Cost Cascade If Arrested With a Client Present

Client stranded; ED scrambles for emergency transport
Possible mandatory Oregon Abuse Hotline report
Your job almost certainly ends
BCU and Hotline records make similar I/DD work very difficult
Your client may carry the memory

When Someone Acts on "Good Intentions"

A staff member who decides to get physical — even for what feels like a good reason — will be treated with respect and dignity through the process. Depending on the legal outcome, employment may not continue. If the action was ethical and just, a recommendation letter is possible, and WLA can help advocate against an outcome that seems unfair.

WLA follows state licensing guidance first. We are not the decision-makers on the legal or licensing outcome — that authority sits elsewhere. Our job is to support you honestly through the process.

Narrow legal exception (ORS 161.209): Defense of self or another from imminent unlawful harm. Standing up does NOT have to mean throwing hands — name what's happening loudly, position your body as a barrier, call 911, record video, help the victim to safety. Client safety > being right.

03

Safety Beyond the Wheel

Pedestrian safety, weather, emergency preparedness, the yearly home walkthrough, and how to lift and transfer without hurting yourself or the client. These sections work WITH clients too.

§ I.6 — Pedestrian Safety

Walking & Crossing

Where to Walk

Sidewalk if there is one (Oregon law)
No sidewalk, two-way road? Walk on the LEFT shoulder, facing oncoming traffic
Divided highway with barrier? Walk on the RIGHT, far from the road
No sidewalk and no shoulder? Outside edge of the road, left side on two-way

Crossing Streets

Every Oregon intersection has a crosswalk — marked or not
Wait for the WALK signal. Flashing hand = don't start.
LEFT — RIGHT — LEFT before stepping off the curb
Make eye contact with drivers
Don't step into a moving car's path even with right of way

The Multi-Lane Trap

If a car has stopped for you in one lane, the car in the next lane may NOT be stopping. Look around the stopped car before entering the next lane.

Where to Stand

Full step BACK from the curb
Where drivers can see you — not behind parked cars or shrubs
Watch for: drivers on phones, turning cars, cars not slowing, backup lights
If you can't see a truck driver's face in their mirror, they can't see you

§ I.7 — Heat Response

Heat — Signs & What to Do

Stage	Signs	Action
Heat cramps	Muscle cramps, heavy sweat, thirst	Shade, water or sports drink, rest
Heat exhaustion Get help	Heavy sweat, cool clammy skin, weakness, nausea, dizziness, headache	Shade or AC, cool wet cloths to neck/wrists/forehead, slow water. 911 if no better in 30 min.
Heat stroke CALL 911	Very high temp, hot dry OR damp skin, fast pulse, confusion, slurred speech, possible loss of consciousness	911 NOW. Cool any way possible — wet cloths, fans, cool water. Don't give drinks if confused.

Medication watch: Antipsychotics, antidepressants, antihistamines, blood pressure meds, and stimulants all raise heat risk. Check before any summer activity. Drink before thirsty — 1 cup every 20 min during activity.

WLA Reimbursement for Weather/Smoke Safety: Need water for yourself or the client during a shift? Buy it — keep the receipt. Sunscreen, electrolyte drinks, N95 masks for smoke, hand warmers, or other PPE for heat/cold/smoke conditions are reimbursable up to $20/month standard. Up to $100/month for life-threatening conditions (heat stroke, hypothermia risk, dangerous AQI). Further approvals case-by-case. Take a photo of every receipt.

§ I.7 — Cold Response

Cold — Signs & What to Do

Stage	Signs	Action
Mild hypothermia	Shivering, cold extremities, mild confusion, fumbling	Shelter and warmth, remove wet clothes, dry layers/blankets, warm sweet drinks (no alcohol)
Moderate CALL 911	Violent shivering OR shivering stops, confusion, drowsy, slurred speech	All of above + 911. Don't let them sleep. Handle gently.
Severe CALL 911	Shivering stops, unconscious, very slow breathing	911. CPR if no pulse (check 30–45 sec — can be very slow).
Frostbite	Skin numb, hard, waxy, white/grayish-yellow	Warmth, don't rub. Warm slowly with water 100–104°F. Medical care if no color in 30 min.

Layering: Base wicks, middle insulates, outer blocks wind/rain. Wool and synthetics stay warm wet. Cotton does not. Stay dry — wet cools you 25× faster than dry.

§ I.8 — Emergency Preparedness

Home Kit & Go-Bag

Preparation isn't about something bad coming — it's about already knowing what to do if it does.

Home Kit Essentials

Category	Have
Water	1 gallon per person per day, 3 days minimum
Food	3 days, non-perishable, no-cook (canned beans, PB, crackers, granola bars)
Light & power	Flashlights + batteries (NOT candles). Battery/crank radio. Phone power bank.
First aid + meds	3+ days of all prescription medications, basic first aid
Warmth	Wool/fleece blanket per person, warm clothes
Documents	ID, insurance, ISP summary, emergency contacts — waterproof bag
Cash	$50–$100 in small bills

Go-bag (grab in 60 seconds): Lighter version — 3 days of meds, document copies, water, snacks, charger, flashlight, cash, weather-appropriate clothes, comfort items. The go-bag is for yourself AND potentially others (family member, client, neighbor in need).

Client emergency meds on outings: Clients should bring any emergency protocol medications with them on community outings — EpiPen, rescue inhaler, glucagon, nitro, seizure rescue meds, anything in their ISP marked emergency-use. Confirm before leaving the home: "Do you have your [EpiPen / inhaler / etc.] with you?"

§ I.9 — Yearly Home Walkthrough

Home Safety Review With Each Client

Once a year, walk through each client's home WITH them. Spot risks before they become incidents. Surface unmet needs WLA can help advocate for.

Falls & Mobility

Throw rugs without non-slip backing
Cords, clutter in walkways
Slippery bathroom; no grab bars
Loose stair handrails
Poor nighttime lighting

Fire & CO

Working smoke detector every floor
CO detector near sleeping areas
Fire extinguisher in kitchen
Two ways out of every room
Space heater clearance

Electrical

Frayed cords, damaged outlets
Daisy-chained power strips
GFCI outlets in wet areas
Heavy appliances on extension cords

Mold & Air

Visible mold patches
Musty smell (hidden moisture)
Bathroom fan vents outside
Water stains on ceilings/walls
Air purifier for asthma/wildfire smoke

Kitchen & Bathroom

Knife storage (block or strip)
Stove clear of flammables
Hot water heater at 120°F or below
Non-slip tub mat
Grab bars where needed

Meds & Connection

Original containers, one place
Expired meds removed
Pill organizer if helpful
Working phone, contacts visible
Watch for isolation

After the walkthrough: Photograph concerns (with permission). Write a short summary. Loop in the case manager for referrals/funding (chore services, adaptive equipment, air purifier, AAC). Set next year's date.

The client is the authority in their own home. Make sure the client feels confident with the safety plan. Ask how things work best for them. Check that what's actually happening day-to-day matches what the ISP says. If there's a mismatch, talk to the case manager and ED so the ISP can be updated to match reality.

Apartment vs. owned home — know who is responsible for what. Smoke detectors, mold remediation, plumbing leaks, electrical repairs, and stair handrails may be the landlord's responsibility in a rental — document the request, get it in writing, escalate to housing-rights resources if a landlord refuses. In an owned home, the client (with family/case manager support) is responsible. Either way, WLA can help advocate.

Workers' comp — protect your back AND your job. If you injure yourself on shift (back, knee, anywhere), report it to the ED the same day. Workers' comp covers medical care and lost wages for legitimate on-the-job injuries — but only if reported promptly and documented. Waiting "to see if it gets better" is how staff lose coverage. Honest, prompt reporting protects you.

§ I.10 — Lifting & Transfers

Protect Your Back, Protect the Client

Back injuries are the leading reason DSPs leave the field. Use equipment. Ask for help. Listen to your body. Use best judgment for transfers — both you and the client need to feel safe.

Lifting Objects

Plan the lift — can you push, pull, roll, get help?
Get close. Feet shoulder-width. Knees bent, back straight.
Lift with your LEGS. Keep load close. Don't twist — turn your whole body.
Over 25 lbs or awkward → get help or use a cart

Helping a Client Move

Check the ISP first — type, # of people, equipment
Use any client-specific transfer training if available. If none exists, only do what you feel comfortable doing.
Both you AND the client need to feel safe with the transfer. If either doesn't, stop and reassess.
Ask the client how it works best for them — does the plan match their needs?
Lock brakes. Clear path. Stable surfaces.
Count: "One, two, three, stand."
Watch their face. Pain, fear, dizziness = STOP.
Two-person transfer means TWO people. Wait for the second.

If something goes wrong mid-transfer: Lower the client safely to the starting surface or to the floor. Don't force a save. Get help. If a client is on the floor and able to participate, you can guide them to their hands and knees — lifting from that position is easier and safer. 911 (non-emergency or emergency depending on situation) will help with transfers and floor lifts. There's no prize for doing it alone.

Plan mismatch? If the ISP transfer plan doesn't match what works for the client today, document it and talk to the case manager and ED for an ISP update. Don't just freelance — the plan exists for everyone's protection, and it should reflect reality.

Medication reminder: Never handle a client's medication unless explicitly authorized in the ISP, OR in a true first-aid / protocol-driven emergency where you feel confident implementing safely (e.g., helping a client use their own EpiPen or inhaler during a reaction). Default is hands-off.

04

When Something Goes Wrong

Crashes, mandatory abuse reporting, missing clients, medical and behavioral crises, evacuation. The procedures that come straight from Oregon law and WLA's OAR licensure.

§ I.5 — If You're in a Crash

Crash Response, In Order

Get yourself clear, then your client, then any passengers if the vehicle is unsafe (smoke, leak, fire)
Call 911 if anyone is injured or there's property damage. Stay with the vehicle if safe.
Exchange information with the other driver: name, license, insurance, plate, contact
Photograph everything: damage, plates, scene from multiple angles, road conditions
Do NOT admit fault at the scene — even if you feel responsible. This is one place where the general "be honest" rule needs adjustment. Stick to facts: where you were going, what you saw, what happened. Don't volunteer interpretation, blame, or apologies that sound like admissions ("I'm so sorry, I didn't see you"). Never lie or perjure yourself — that's a different and worse problem. Just be selective: answer what's asked, factually, and let insurance and any legal process sort fault.
Call the ED as soon as everyone is safe. WLA files the incident report within 1 business day.

If the vehicle is an EV: Any smoke, hissing, or unusual smell — get 100+ feet clear. Tell first responders it's an EV. EV battery fires can reignite hours later.

Common Hazards

Hazard	What to Do
Fire (any source)	Everyone out and clear. 911. Don't return for belongings.
Gasoline leak	Evacuate 100+ feet. No phones, no smoking. Warn approaching traffic from safe distance.
Downed power line on/near vehicle	Stay IN the vehicle. Call 911. If you MUST exit: jump clear, both feet leaving at once, shuffle away in small steps.
Vehicle in/near water	Get out BEFORE submersion if possible. Once water rises against the doors, outside water pressure makes them nearly impossible to open — even a few inches of water against the door is hundreds of pounds of force. Exit through a WINDOW (not the windshield — laminated and tough). Use a seatbelt cutter / window-breaker on a side window. Roll windows down BEFORE water reaches them if you have time and power. If trapped and the cabin is filling, wait until pressure equalizes — then push the door open as water finishes filling.
Client medical emergency mid-drive	Pull over immediately, hazards on. Don't manage while driving. 911. Begin first aid.

§ I.15 — Mandatory Reporting

Abuse Reporting Is Not Optional

All WLA staff are mandatory reporters under OAR 411-323-0063. "I wasn't sure" is not a defense — call the hotline and let them determine.

Oregon Abuse Hotline — 24/7

1-855-503-7233

If You Suspect or Witness Abuse, Neglect, or Exploitation

Ensure immediate safety of the client — now
Call the Oregon Abuse Hotline — immediately, no delay
Notify the ED — immediately after the hotline
Document what you observed in plain factual language. What you saw, heard, were told. No interpretation. Same day.

Do NOT: Investigate yourself. Interview the alleged abuser. Discuss with other clients or staff beyond the ED. Failing to report when you should have is itself a violation that can end employment and trigger legal consequences.

When a client doesn't want it reported. This will happen. Many of the people we serve have lived through triangulation — being pulled between adults, told to keep secrets, asked to choose loyalty over safety. Honor that history with grace, compassion, and dignity. AND: mandatory reporting is legally required regardless of the client's preference.

Say something like: "I hear you, and I take what you're telling me seriously. I have to make this call because the law requires me to as a mandatory reporter — that's not a choice I get to make. What I CAN do is tell the hotline exactly who you're worried about and why, and we can talk together about what comes next."

When you call, note specifically who the client was concerned about (friend, family member, paid staff, parent, case manager, brokerage personal agent). If the person of concern is paid in the client's support system, talk with the ED and case manager about whether a change of case manager, brokerage, or staffing assignment would help — and offer to help start those conversations. Use legally accurate language throughout: "alleged," "reported," "client states." Don't characterize as fact what hasn't been determined.

§ I.15 — Serious Incidents

Other Required Reports

Serious Incident Report Required For

Serious injury to a client
Death of a client
Hospitalization or ER visit
Emergency physical restraint or crisis strategy
Fire requiring fire department response
Client missing beyond ISP-allowed time
Vehicle accident with a client present
Any safeguarding intervention causing injury
Suspected or confirmed abuse

Also Worth Documenting

Minor injuries — even small ones if first aid was applied (band-aid, ice, antiseptic). Build the pattern.
Emotional outbursts — what happened, what helped, what you noticed about why it occurred. Tracking these surfaces patterns the ISP team needs to see.
Big life changes — death in the family, hospitalization, instability, end of a service, loss of housing, relationship changes. Anything that may impact tomorrow.
Near-misses (fall almost happened, choking nearly occurred, client almost left without supervision)
New behavior, new symptom, new fear, new refusal

Timeline: Staff observations to ED within 1 business day. ED formal report to case management within 5 business days for OAR-required incidents.

Missing Client Protocol

Search the immediate area while another staff/family member is notified
Call the client's legal/designated representative immediately
Call local law enforcement non-emergency line (or 911 if you believe danger)
Notify the case management entity
Notify the ED
Document the timeline carefully — incident report required

§ I.15 — Crisis Response

Medical & Behavioral Emergencies

Medical Emergency

Call 911 first for any of:

Chest pain, shortness of breath
Severe bleeding, loss of consciousness
Head injury, seizure not typical for this client
Severe allergic reaction, suspected overdose
Severe burn

Begin CPR/First Aid per training. Stay with client until EMS arrives. Document after.

Behavioral Crisis

Ensure YOUR safety + other clients' safety first
If the client has a Positive Behavior Support Plan (PBSP), follow it. If they don't, use general positive behavior support practices and de-escalation — calm voice, lower stimulation, give space, validate feelings, simple choices
Remove triggers from the environment if possible
Call local emergency services and/or 911. In Lane County only, CAHOOTS (541-726-3714) provides mobile mental-health response. Outside Lane County, ask 911 dispatch for a Crisis Intervention Trained (CIT) officer.
County/state mental health crisis lines are free and can help by phone: 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, 24/7), and county-specific lines (Lane: 541-687-4000, Douglas: 541-440-3532, Coos: 541-266-6800)
Notify ED immediately after the crisis resolves

Fire / evacuation from a client's home: Get the client out FIRST using the two-way-out plan from the yearly home review. Don't return for belongings (exception: mobility-essential equipment IF safe). Meet at the designated point. Call 911. Account for everyone.

Physical Protective Intervention (PPI) is a last resort. PPI may be applied only to prevent imminent harm to the client, yourself, or others — and only if no less-invasive option will work. Try less-invasive responses first:

Positioning — put your body between the client and a hazard, or move yourself out of reach
Words / shout — clear, loud, simple ("STOP" "STAY HERE" "I HEAR YOU")
Startle response — loud clap, dropped object, sudden change in tone or environment that interrupts the moment
Distance and time — back off, wait it out if no one is in immediate danger

If PPI does happen, limit harm to the client, yourself, and others — use the minimum force and duration needed, with minimal long-term harm. Report as soon as possible to the ED. PPI use triggers a serious incident report and OAR-required notifications. Never use PPI as discipline, never as a shortcut.

§ I.11 — Day-to-Day Tip Sheet

The Practices, Distilled

Print this. Post it. Update with what works for your real days.

Before You Drive

Am I fit? Walk-around. Mirrors/seat/nav set. Phone secured.
Seatbelt every passenger. Mobility device in trunk.

While Driving

12–15 sec ahead. 3-sec gap. Mirror checks. Signal early.
Hands-free only. Eyes off road >2 sec → pull over.

Walking & Crossing

Sidewalk if there is one. Otherwise left shoulder, facing traffic.
Cross at corners. LEFT-RIGHT-LEFT. Eye contact.

Outdoors

Tell someone where you're going. Water, snacks, layer.
Pace = slowest person. Heat: shade, drink early. Cold: dry layers.

At Home

Smoke + CO detectors working. Two ways out of every room.
Phone charged. Contacts on paper. Meds organized.

Transfers & Lifting

Knees not back. Load CLOSE. Tell the client what you're doing.
ISP equipment every time. Two-person = two people.

If something goes wrong: 911 first if any risk to life. ED next, once everyone is safe. Injury first, paperwork second. Be honest.

§ I.12 — Key Takeaways

Top 15 — Memorize These

1

Hands-free phone only. Anything else, pull over.

2

Below 0.08% BAC can still convict. Cannabis impairs up to 24 hours.

3

The posted speed limit is the legal maximum. Above it can be cited. With a client in the car, stay at or below the posted limit.

4

Left lane is for passing. Move right when not passing.

5

Every Oregon intersection has a crosswalk. Drivers must yield.

6

Walk LEFT shoulder facing traffic on two-way roads.

7

Stand back from the curb. Three steps is better than one.

8

Mobility devices in trunk; clients use regular seats. No securement vans.

9

No staff handling of client meds. Clients carry their own.

10

Cannabis in vehicle: prohibited always. Smoking/vaping: ED-approved exception only.

11

Personal errands: same store, brief, no time pressure. Default no.

12

Oregon bans mutual combat. BOTH people in a fight can be arrested.

13

Yearly home walkthrough with each client. Photo concerns. Loop in case manager.

14

Use best judgment for transfers. Both you AND the client must feel safe. 911 can help with lifts.

15

If you're unfit — fatigue, illness, meds, emotion, substance — don't drive. Call out.

The Practices, One More Time

The practices in this training are what protect everyone — you, your clients, the community, and the work itself.

I will practice following the laws of the road and the rules of safe support.

I will be honest about my mistakes so I can learn and improve.

I will not drive or work if I am unfit, and I will speak up when I am not safe.

Complete the Knowledge Check (§ I.14) and sign the acknowledgment (§ I.13) with your ED.