If a loved one or someone you know has Alzheimer's Disease or suffers from Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), it is important to receive a prompt and proper emergency response in the event of a wandering incident. All wandering incidents should be considered emergencies. The following procedures can help families or caretakers of Alzheimer's patients or those with ASD deliver the necessary information to 911 call centers and also provide the necessary information to responding law enforcement officers.

CALLING 911

In an emergency, it is important to remain calm when calling 911. If a wandering incident has occurred, it is your responsibility to contact 911 and inform them of the incident before you begin to search. Be prepared to provide the following information to the operator and or to responding units. This information should already be recorded and located near your telephone.

• Name of the child or adult

• Current photograph and physical description including gender, race, height, weight, eye & hair color, any scars or distinguishing marks

• Names, home, cell & pager numbers, addresses of parents, other caregivers

• Sensory, medical, or dietary issues & requirements if any

• Inclinations for elopement and any atypical behaviors or characteristics that may attract attention

• Favorite attractions & locations where the person may be found

• Likes, dislikes, approach and de-escalation techniques

• Communication methods, verbal/non-verbal, sign language, picture boards, written word

• ID wear, jewelry, clothing tags, printed handout card

• Map and address guide to nearby properties with water sources and dangerous locations highlighted

• Blueprint or drawing of home, with bedrooms of individual highlighted (debbaudt 2004-07)

IDENTIFICATION OPTIONS

• Medic alert style bracelet, anklet or necklace

• Joggers shoe tags

• Laminated information card hanging from belt loops, information sewn in to clothing

• Silk screened information on underclothing

• Non permanent tattoos for persons with sensory issues ( www.tattooswithapurpose.com )

For additional information log on to
www.autismriskmanagement.com or www.houstoncit.org