Safety checklist — what to do first + who to contact (Associate Handbook)
Audience: Associates
Goal: Provide a quick, consistent first-response checklist when you are concerned about safety.
This is a practical checklist, not clinical/legal advice. Use professional judgment and follow local laws/standards. When in doubt, escalate early.
1) First: assess immediacy (is there immediate danger?)
If there is immediate danger (to the client or others), or an emergency is unfolding:
- Get to safety first (you, the client, and anyone else).
- Call emergency services (911) if needed.
- Contact Katherine immediately as soon as it is safe to do so.
- Notify admin (logistics/coordination) when appropriate.
If the emergency is an office/building/workplace emergency (facilities-related), please also follow:
- If something breaks / supplies run out (section: “Office emergency (urgent)”)
- Reliance Properties building emergencies contacts: Building emergencies — Reliance Properties contacts
- Building emergencies/concerns: please text Frank at
604-729-8408.
2) If not immediate danger, but you are concerned (same day escalation)
If you’re concerned about safety but it is not an active emergency:
- Contact Katherine the same day (sooner is better).
- Consider a safety plan / increased supports as clinically appropriate.
- If the client needs urgent support, guide them toward appropriate urgent resources (per clinic/local norms).
- Document your assessment and actions in JaneApp (see documentation checklist below).
3) Associate personal safety (in-session)
If you feel unsafe with a client:
- End the session if needed and get to safety.
- Call 911 if there is an immediate threat.
- Report to Katherine immediately.
4) What to document (minimum)
In JaneApp, document (as applicable):
- what you observed / what was reported
- risk/safety assessment summary (brief)
- what actions you took and why
- who you contacted (Katherine/admin/emergency services) + times
- any follow-up plan (next session timing, check-in, referrals/resources)
5) Who to contact (clinic)
- Urgent clinical safety concerns: Katherine
- Admin/logistics coordination: admin
Add to your personal phone contacts too:
- Katherine phone: 604-787-4008
- Katherine email: katherine@headandheartcounselling.com
- Admin phone: 604-787-4008
- Admin email: info@headandheartcounselling.com
6) Quick scripts (optional)
Use your own words, but keep it calm and direct:
- Safety concern: “I’m concerned about your safety. Let’s pause and make a plan for what happens after we finish today.”
- Escalation: “I’m going to involve additional support to make sure we handle this safely.”