Training module

Health & Safety

The most important job of a direct support professional is keeping the people they support healthy and safe. Noticing small changes early prevents serious health problems — and knowing when to call 9-1-1 saves lives.

Know what is normal for each person

Level of alertness and behavior
Appetite and how much they eat and drink
Bathroom habits (bladder and bowels)
Sleep patterns
Breathing
Blood pressure
Weight
Health challenges such as chronic pain, seizures, difficulty swallowing, or blood thinners

When you notice a change, ask

When did the change start?
How is it affecting the person?
Is it getting better or worse?
Who have you told, and what did you write down?

Call 9-1-1 right away for

Breathing: very slow, very fast, or working hard to breathe — check the airway; if the person may be choking, call 9-1-1 and start CPR/First Aid right away.
Consciousness: the person cannot respond as is normal for them, is unresponsive and it is not their usual seizure activity, or a fall has occurred.
Blood pressure: systolic above 170, diastolic above 115, or systolic of 80 or less.
Heart rate: pulse below 50 or above 160 beats per minute, or far outside their normal range.
Chest pain: check vital signs; if the person is unstable and medical help is not available, call 9-1-1.
Falls: severe head injury, a head injury in someone taking blood thinners, unable to get up when they normally could, or severe pain.
Serious injuries: severe pain, a limb in an unusual position, bone through the skin, or bleeding that will not stop with firm direct pressure.
General danger signs: severe or lasting stomach pain, temperature below 97°F or above 102°F, or big appetite changes with unexplained weight loss.

Dehydration and medication safety

A person who is less alert than usual, eating or drinking less, or having diarrhea can become dehydrated quickly, and medication can build up in the body to dangerous levels.
Keep careful records of how much the person eats and drinks.
Document vomiting and bladder and bowel movements.
Write down changes in alertness or behavior.
Report changes to the person's health professional right away.

Everyday and seasonal safety

Summer: prevent dehydration, sunburn, heat illness, and water-related accidents; never leave a person unattended near water.
Winter: plan for inclement weather, layer clothing, watch for frostbite and hypothermia, and keep walkways clear.
Burns: check water temperature, keep hot liquids and appliances out of reach, and follow safe cooking and smoking rules.
Infection prevention: hand hygiene, staying home when ill, and watching for early signs of pneumonia and flu.
Mental health: know the warning signs of suicide and how to get help; the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is available 24/7.
Human trafficking: people with disabilities are especially vulnerable — know how to prevent, identify, and report it.
Trauma-informed care: understand Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and respond to behavior with support, not punishment.
Medications, equipment, and restrictive devices are used only as written in the person's plan.

Rules you must follow

Ohio Administrative Code 5123-17-02 requires all developmental disabilities employees to review DODD Health and Welfare Alerts as part of annual training.
When in doubt, call 9-1-1. If someone is in severe distress, do not call or text family, your supervisor, or a co-worker first.
Respect family and guardian requests to be called, but never delay emergency care — the person's health and safety come first.
Emergency plans and medical consent are discussed at service plan meetings; know the plan before you need it.
Report injuries, illnesses, and unsafe conditions to Warm Hearts immediately, and file any required incident report under MUI/UI rules.