Persons in Care and Custody Flashcards
(10 cards)
What is the test of a person being held in custody?
Their interpretation of whether or not they believe they are free to leave
Cultural considerations when placing people in cells
Aboroginal people like to be together, they are more at risk if alone.
Young males, who are not 18 by law, may be men in the eyes of Aboroginal culture. They must still be separated, but place in a cell nearby.
Females / Males to be separated
Considerations for placing transgender and intersex people in cells
Wherever possible, separation of transgender and intersex from other detainess and the provision of a single cell if possible.
Should be given the opportunity to express a preference for a segragated or single cell arrangements.
No concerns (for them, or others in the facility) - detainee will be accommadated in area appropriate to their identified gender.
CASE BY CASE BASIS
Primary consideration when taking someone into custody
Concern for safety and wellbeing.
Lawful and humane
Civil
Duty of Care - When does it finish
When you have transferred the custody of the person to someone else (full handover)
What might compel you to conduct a cell check?
- Excessive snoring, shaking or vomiting
- Breathing distressed, audible crackling or wheezing
- Where the rise and fall of the chest cannot be observed
- Where a person appears to be lying in an awkward position or has not moved from the position they were in since the previous cell check.
What can a custody nurse NOT do
provide medical diagnoses of illness or injury.
Except in emergencies, provide treatment other than first aid to a person in custody
Custody nurse can…
The Custody Nurse CAN:
Examine persons in custody to determine what level of treatment and whether hospital treatment is required.
Provide ongoing medical support and first aid to persons in custody. provide first aid to co-operative people in custody, Watch House staff and/or any member injured while in the Watch House.
Provide information to members regarding the health of a person where necessary to lessen or prevent a serious an imminent threat to others health.
Record all medical observations/treatments on the relevant Custody Health Assessment.
Make the ultimate decision for the transfer of a person in custody to hospital.
Who can request a nursing assessment?
Police
Custody nurse
Prisoner
Who would be considered ‘At Risk’
Volatile substance affected
Intoxicated (drugs/alcohol)
Mentally ill/disturbed
Exhibiting signs of physical or emotional distress
Any health concern disclosed
Chronic health problems
Likely to suffer from alcohol/drugs withdrawals
Court status of At Risk
Obese
Aboriginal person
