The DSW is attentive to signs of abuse, neglect or exploitation and follows procedures to protect an individual from such harm. S/he helps people to avoid unsafe situations and uses appropriate procedures to assure safety during emergency situations. After successfully completing this course, the DSW will be able to: 

• Recognize, document, and communicate the signs and symptoms of abuse, exploitation, and health concerns such as stroke, heart attack, choking, breathing problems, allergic reactions, dehydration, heat exhaustion, seizures, injuries, shock, food poisoning, concussions, mental health crises, and infections according to best practices, policy, and regulatory requirements.
• Communicate staffing shortages immediately that limit capacity to implement emergency plans and procedures.
• Implement plans and supports that prevent and/or minimize safety risks, giving primary consideration to the person’s preferences, and coordinate the environment to reduce stress and facilitate healthy behaviors like sleep, hygiene, eating, and exercise.
• Recognize and implement best practices according to policy, procedures, regulation, and civil procedures with emergency, hazardous, and disastrous situations such as an emergent health event, structural fire, tornado, wildfire, hurricane, unhealthy air quality, lock down, power outages, loss of water, loss of heat, or evacuation.
• Work with the person to learn his or her preferences for how to react and support him or her in crisis situations and, to the maximum extent possible, provide emergency support consistent with his or her preferences.