Emergency Planning
It’s important to have a plan in place in case something unexpected stops you from supporting the person you care for. Emergency planning gives peace of mind and helps make sure the right support is available when it’s needed most.
What to Think About
Emergencies can happen at any time. They might include:
- Being delayed getting home
- Sudden illness or accident
- A family emergency or crisis
Having a plan means others know what to do and who to contact if you can’t be there.
Carers in Crisis Scheme
Carers in Crisis is a free back-up scheme that helps make sure the person you support is looked after in an emergency.
When you join, you’ll get:
- A 24/7 emergency phone number
- A card, key fob and fridge slip with your unique reference number
- A personalised plan agreed with you in advance
If something happens, you or someone else can contact the emergency team using your reference number. They’ll follow the plan you’ve set up—this might include contacting a friend or arranging home support.
There’s no charge for the first 48 hours of support, where care is available. After that, we’ll talk with you and carry out a financial assessment for the person you support.
To learn more or join the scheme, please contact BCP Carer Support and we’ll talk you through how it works and what information we’ll need.
ICE – In Case of Emergency
You can also store emergency contact details in your phone using the word ICE (In Case of Emergency). Emergency staff know to look for this.
Add ICE to your phone’s contacts with the number of your back-up carer or trusted person. If you have more than one contact, use ICE1, ICE2, ICE3. If your phone is locked, you can add ICE details to your lock screen.
Herbert Protocol
The Herbert Protocol is a form that carers, family members, friends, or the person themselves can complete. It includes important information that can help the police if a person who is vulnerable goes missing.
Need to Talk?
If you’re feeling overwhelmed or need someone to talk to, support is available:
- BCP Carer Support - The BCP Carer Support team are available to talk Monday to Friday, 9am to 4pm by phone or email.
- Samaritans - Call 116 123 any time, day or night. Or visit the Bournemouth branch: 1 Durrant Road, Bournemouth, BH2 6LE (Open 9am–9pm)
- The Retreat - A safe space for anyone approaching crisis. Open daily from 4:30pm to midnight. Hahnemann House, Hahnemann Road, Bournemouth, BH2 5JW