13/02/2026
As social care providers, we genuinely care about the people we support. We build relationships, we know our residents and clients well, and of course we want the very best outcomes for them.
We also see the enormous pressures our wider health colleagues are under... ambulance crews, paramedics, emergency departments, and acute trusts.
But it’s worth asking ourselves an uncomfortable question from time to time:
When someone in our care becomes unwell, are we always as prepared as we could be?
If we need to call 999, or when a paramedic arrives at the door, do we have clear baseline information ready? Can we confidently explain what is normal for that person, what has changed, and why we are concerned?
Because in those moments, information really matters.
Phrases like “I’m not sure, I’ve just come on shift” are completely understandable in busy services — but they can have real consequences. If a clinician cannot quickly build a picture of the person’s usual presentation, the safest decision will often be hospital conveyance, even when it might not have been strictly necessary.
That isn’t a criticism, it’s just the reality of risk management in urgent care.
A little preparation can make a huge difference.
Simple things help:
• Clear baseline / usual presentation
• What has changed and when
• Relevant recent history
• Current observations (where appropriate)
• Medication records (including EMAR)
• Recent medication changes
• Escalation plans
But beyond the paperwork, it’s really about asking:
Would any member of the team be able to support a safe handover right now?
Is key information easy to find in a pressured situation?
Would an external clinician immediately understand this person’s norm?
Good decisions depend on good information.
Being prepared in these moments is not just good organisation, it is part of protecting the people we support and helping the wider system make the right clinical decisions.
Just something worth reflecting on.
