Improving emergency response procedures in prisons
Issued today, the Prisons and Probation Ombudsman released their third Policy into Practice publication, sharing key learning on emergency response in prisons. Read the publication.
The PPO carries out investigations into deaths in custody, and we see numerous cases where there are recurring issues with emergency response procedures. We urge staff to remain aware of the following policy requirements in relation to emergency response to help save lives:
- Roll check
- Staff are to assure themselves that prisoners are alive and well, and they must have a clear view of prisoners faces, if necessary, by waking them.
- Procedures at night
- If there’s a risk to life, then cells may be unlocked (following a dynamic risk assessment and informing the communications/control room) without the authority of the Night Orderly Officer, and an individual member of staff may enter the cell on their own. The preservation of life takes precedence.
- Calling an emergency code
- When staff use the emergency medical codes, they should also inform the control room whether the prisoner is conscious and breathing.
- Escorting emergency vehicles
- Prison staff must have a clear understanding of their local security strategy instructions when escorting emergency vehicles to avoid delays.
- Authorisation for devices
- Ambulance staff may bring their patient device and mobile phones (both work and personal) into a prison for the purpose of delivering clinical care.
Ombudsman Adrian Usher said:
“Our Policy into Practice publication series shows why policy needs to be put into practice by prison staff as we have investigated numerous deaths where their emergency response procedures should have been better.
I urge staff to take note of the policy requirements that we have highlighted today.
Prison’s emergency response procedures require improvement to ensure a positive impact on the lives of those in custody and better safety all round”.