Safety Hazards
Spring. Warmer weather, emerging flowers, and the dreaded time change. In case you missed it, this weekend we turn our clocks forward one hour for daylight saving time.
This is the perfect time for clinicians to revisit environmental safety hazards previously identified in patient’s homes. What safety risks have been modified since previous identification? If hazards have not been corrected, document the reason and possible solution. During daylight savings time changes, there is an emphasis on checking for the presence of working smoke detectors. According to a 2020 report from FEMA, older adults age 65 to 74 were found to be twice as likely to die in a fire than the overall US population. If your patient does not have a smoke detector, check with local community resources—fire departments, Red Cross, and others--who are providing free smoke alarms. It’s our duty and privilege to ensure our patients are safe.
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