Page 10 - Policies and Procedures

 The vehicle contains a first aid kit
 There is enough drinking water enough to meet the needs of each resident during the

outing and a supply will always be kept in the vehicle.
 The vehicle will have working heating and cooling.
 The vehicle will be insured, and a record of maintenance and repair will be kept for 12

months.
 Drivers will be 21 years of age or older and have a valid driver’s license
 When the vehicle is parked the keys are removed from vehicle and the emergency brake

is engaged before exiting the vehicle, or, if the vehicle locks in the park position, the
gear is placed into the park position.

6. If a resident becomes a danger to themselves or becomes medically compromised the staff
member will stay with the vehicle and/or resident until emergency services. If it is discovered
that a resident is incapable of independent exit from the vehicle due to being medically
compromised, the staff member will remain with the resident and vehicle until emergency
services arrive.

7. Staff will ensure the safe and hazard-free loading and unloading or residents.

8. Anyone in the vehicle is required to wear a seatbelt. If it is discovered that a seatbelt is faulty
then a resident is not able to sit in that seat until the seatbelt is repaired.

9. Seats in the vehicle must be securely fastened to the vehicle frame and the seat must provide
enough space for a resident’s body. Larger residents may take up more than one seating area,
therefore, staff need to determine how many residents can safely fit into the vehicle at one
time.

10. The Executive Director must approve all outings and ensure that the outing is consistent with
the age, developmental level, physical ability, medical condition, and treatment needs of each
resident participating in the outing.

11. Front line staff ensure that prior to the resident leaving on the outing the resident is mentally
and physically able to attend the outing. Any resident that is assessed to be not mentally or
physically able to attend the outing will stay behind and in the care of another HOPESS staff.
Residents who are a danger to themselves or others, not behaving in their baseline behaviors or
who have recently exhibited a significant decrease in mood, increase in anxiety, frustration, or
anger within the past 24 hours may be prevented from going on an outing.

12. Outings require that at least 2 personnel members are present. The ratio is 1 staff person per 5
residents. If more than 10 residents attend the outing, more staff members may be needed.

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Hopess – Policy and Procedure Manual