Assessing risk and clinical considerations

Assessing risk and clinical considerations will help you determine if mental health clinicians can act alone to return the absent person (or if they might need ambulance or police assistance too).

How does it work?

It contains guidance and examples for risk factors and clinical considerations listed in the Authority to transport absent person form, which are split into four parts in this tool:

What will I need?

You may need to consult several documents to ensure a comprehensive and accurate risk assessment. This may include (where it exists):

• an 'absent without approval' prevention and response plan
• an acute management plan
• an involuntary patient and voluntary high risk patient summary
• a police and ambulance intervention plan
• alerts on the person's file in CIMHA.

Check the person's file in CIMHA

An 'absent without approval' prevention and response plan is a locally developed plan setting out clinical strategies for responding to (and preventing) patient absences.

An acute management plan is:

• available as a clinical note under the Emergency planning and interventions category.
• a clinical document providing relevant, succinct information to clinicians working in acute care teams, emergency departments and other entry points into a mental health service.

An involuntary patient and voluntary high risk patient summary is:

• available as a clinical note under the Mental Health Act (Amended) category.
• a document that contains current information and circumstances for patients requiring a higher level of clinical monitoring (based on their risk of harm to others).

A police and ambulance intervention plan is:

• available as a clinical note under the Emergency planning and interventions category.
• an information sharing tool with specific information and strategies that–
  • should be considered for consumers that have repeated or regular 'crisis type' contact with police and ambulance officers
  • can assist with mediating a mental health event involving a consumer in the community.
• useful for negotiating agreed strategies with ambulance and police officers for managing involuntary patient absences.

Part 1 of 4

Does the (current or past) situation indicate any of the following risk factors?

• violence (including to police or ambulance officers)
• aggression or threatening behaviour

These factors may require police assistance

Police officers can support mental health clinicians where there are public safety risks that cannot be managed solely by others.

Do any of those factors indicate an imminent risk that the absent person will harm themselves or someone else?

For example:

• Is anyone seriously injured or in immediate danger?
• Is anyone's life being threatened?

Have you called Triple Zero (000)?

If there's an imminent risk of harm, you should call Triple Zero (000) and ask for police.

Did Queensland Police Service accept or reject the request for them to (act alone and) immediately respond and return the absent person?

Why did police reject a request to act alone?

Queensland Police Service may reject a request to act alone (to respond and return an absent person) if they disagree that:

• the situation indicates an imminent risk of harm to the absent person or others (requiring immediate police assistance)
• it is unsafe for the absent person to be returned by someone other than police officers
• reasonable attempts have been made to locate or contact the absent person (and encourage their voluntary return).

What should I do next?

If necessary, immediately follow the escalation process in the Chief Psychiatrist policy for Managing involuntary patient absences (at section 4.3.4).

You should also continue this assessment to ensure that police assistance is required for returning the absent person.

It will help you prepare an Authority to transport absent person form explaining why their assistance is required. It will also assist the treating (or on-call) psychiatrist or clinical director with escalating the matter.

Those factors still indicate that you may require police assistance

The next few sections will go through each risk factor and provide guidance and examples for completing the Authority to transport absent person form.

The next few sections will go through each risk factor and provide guidance and examples for completing the Authority to transport absent person form.

Violence (including to police or ambulance officers)

In the Authority to transport absent person form, add relevant information to section 6 (assessed level of risk to self and others).

Provide context (static, dynamic and protective factors) about identified risks–this may include:

• carries weapons or has access to firearms
• violent ideation or attitudes
• active symptoms of psychosis especially persecutory delusions and command hallucinations
• threats and violent thoughts
• history of violence
• identify any prior convictions.

Aggression

In the Authority to transport absent person form, add relevant information to section 6 (assessed level of risk to self and others).

Provide context (static, dynamic and protective factors) about identified risks–this may include:

• anger and irritability
• threats and aggressive thoughts
• impulsivity and exhibiting bullying behaviour
• history of aggression.

Part 2 of 4

Does the (current or past) situation indicate any of the following risk factors or clinical considerations?

• suicide or self-harm
• evidence of intoxication at time of absence
• other relevant health conditions

These factors may require ambulance assistance

Ambulance officers can support mental health clinicians when there are clinical risks related to the patient's physical health.

Do any of those factors indicate an imminent risk that the absent person will harm themselves?

For example, are they seriously injured or in immediate danger?

Do you know where (or approximately where) to locate the absent person?

Have you called Triple Zero (000)?

If there's an imminent risk of harm, you should call Triple Zero (000) and ask for ambulance.

The operator will ask a serious of questions–for example:

• the town or suburb of the emergency
• all necessary demographics about the person (including their name and date of birth)
• the person's physical state and an assessment of risk factors in relation to violence, aggression and suicide
• the relevant health service or facility to transport the person to (or to contact for further information).

Did Queensland Ambulance Service accept or reject the request for them to immediately respond and return the person?

Why did ambulance reject a request to act alone?

Queensland Ambulance Service may reject a request to act alone (to respond and return an absent person) if they disagree that:

• the situation indicates an imminent risk of harm to the absent person (requiring immediate ambulance assistance)
• the person's whereabouts are known.

If necessary, immediately notify the treating (or on-call) psychiatrist or clinical director about the situation. You may need to instead call Triple Zero (000) and ask for police.

Make sure you advise them of the imminent risk that the absent person will harm themselves and that Queensland Ambulance Service rejected the request to immediately respond.

What should I do next?

You should continue using this assessment to ensure that ambulance assistance is required for returning the absent person.

It will help you prepare an Authority to transport absent person form explaining why their assistance is required. It will also assist the treating (or on-call) psychiatrist or clinical director with escalating the matter.

Those factors still indicate that you may require ambulance assistance

The next few sections will go through each risk factor and provide guidance and examples for completing the Authority to transport absent person form.

Have you called Triple Zero (000)?

You should call Triple Zero (000) and ask for police instead and advise them that:

• there is an imminent risk that the absent person will harm themselves
• you do not know where (or approximately where) to locate the absent person.

A police officer may be able to assist with locating the absent person where immediate ambulance assistance is necessary.

Remember, Queensland Ambulance Service are unable to assist until the person's whereabouts are known.

Did Queensland Police Service accept or reject the request for assistance with locating the absent person?

Why did police reject a request to help locate the absent person?

Queensland Police Service may reject a request to help locate the absent person (so that immediate ambulance assistance can occur) if they disagree that:

• the situation indicates an imminent risk of harm to the absent person (requiring their assistance)
• reasonable attempts have been made to locate or contact the absent person (by authorised mental health service staff).

What should I do next?

If necessary, immediately follow the escalation process in the Chief Psychiatrist policy for Managing involuntary patient absences (at section 4.3.4).

You should also continue this assessment to ensure that ambulance (or police) assistance is required for returning (or locating) the absent person.

This assessment will help you prepare an Authority to transport absent person form explaining why their assistance is required. It will also assist the treating (or on-call) psychiatrist or clinical director with escalating the matter.

Those factors still indicate that you may require ambulance assistance

The next few sections will go through each risk factor and provide guidance and examples for completing the Authority to transport absent person form.

The next few sections will go through each risk factor and provide guidance and examples for completing the Authority to transport absent person form (if required).

Suicide or self-harm

In the Authority to transport absent person form, add relevant information to section 6 (assessed level of risk to self and others).

Provide context (static, dynamic and protective factors) about identified risks–this may include:

• for suicide:
  • current suicidal ideation
  • plan and intent
  • situational crisis
  • depression, hopelessness and isolation
  • impaired rational thinking
  • recent loss or bereavement
  • history of suicide attempts
• for self-harm:
  • emotional distress
  • history of self-harming behaviour
  • family disturbance or relationship breakup
  • recent discharge
  • change in occupational or financial status
  • physical illness.

Evidence of intoxication at time of absence

In the Authority to transport absent person form, add relevant information to section 9 (clinical considerations).

Other relevant health conditions

In the Authority to transport absent person form, add relevant information to section 9 (clinical considerations).

Part 2 of 4

Does the (current or past) situation indicate any of the following risk factors or clinical considerations?

• suicide or self-harm
• evidence of intoxication at time of absence
• other relevant health conditions

These factors may require ambulance assistance

Ambulance officers can support mental health clinicians generally when there are clinical risks related to the patient's physical health.

Do any of those factors indicate an imminent risk that the absent person will harm themselves?

For example, are they seriously injured or in immediate danger?

Do you know where (or approximately where) to locate the absent person?

Have you called Triple Zero (000)?

If there's an imminent risk of harm, you should call Triple Zero (000) and ask for ambulance.

The operator will ask a serious of questions–for example:

• the town or suburb of the emergency
• all necessary demographics about the person (including their name and date of birth)
• the person's physical state and an assessment of risk factors in relation to violence, aggression and suicide
• the relevant health service or facility to transport the person to (or to contact for further information).

Did Queensland Ambulance Service accept or reject the request for them to immediately respond and return the person?

Why did ambulance reject a request to act alone?

Queensland Ambulance Service may reject a request to act alone (to respond and return an absent person) if they disagree that:

• the situation indicates an imminent risk of harm to the absent person (requiring immediate ambulance assistance)
• the person's whereabouts are known.

If necessary, immediately notify the treating (or on-call) psychiatrist or clinical director about the situation. You may need to instead call Triple Zero (000) and ask for police.

Make sure you advise them of the imminent risk that the absent person will harm themselves and that Queensland Ambulance Service rejected the request to immediately respond.

What should I do next?

You should continue this assessment to ensure that ambulance assistance is required for returning the absent person.

It will help you prepare an Authority to transport absent person form explaining why their assistance is required. It will also assist the treating (or on-call) psychiatrist or clinical director with escalating the matter.

Those factors still indicate that you may require ambulance assistance

The next few sections will go through each risk factor and provide guidance and examples for completing the Authority to transport absent person form.

Have you called Triple Zero (000)?

You should call Triple Zero (000) and ask for police and advise them that:

• there is an imminent risk that the absent person will harm themselves
• you do not know where (or approximately where) to locate the absent person.

A police officer may be able to assist with locating the absent person where immediate ambulance assistance is necessary.

Remember, Queensland Ambulance Service are unable to assist until the person's whereabouts are known.

Did Queensland Police Service accept or reject the request for assistance with locating the absent person?

Why did police reject a request to help locate the absent person?

Queensland Police Service may reject a request to help locate the absent person (so that immediate ambulance assistance can occur) if they disagree that:

• the situation indicates an imminent risk of harm to the absent person (requiring their assistance)
• reasonable attempts have been made to locate or contact the absent person (by authorised mental health service staff).

What should I do next?

If necessary, immediately follow the escalation process in the Chief Psychiatrist policy for Managing involuntary patient absences (at section 4.3.4).

You should also continue this assessment to ensure that ambulance (or police) assistance is required for returning (or locating) the absent person.

It will help you prepare an Authority to transport absent person form explaining why their assistance is required. It will also assist the treating (or on-call) psychiatrist or clinical director with escalating the matter.

Those factors still indicate that you may require ambulance assistance

The next few sections will go through each risk factor and provide guidance and examples for completing the Authority to transport absent person form.

The next few questions will go through each risk factor and provide guidance for completing the Authority to transport absent person form (if required).

Suicide or self-harm

In the Authority to transport absent person form, add relevant information to section 6 (assessed level of risk to self and others).

Provide context (static, dynamic and protective factors) about identified risks–this may include:

• for suicide:
  • current suicidal ideation
  • plan and intent
  • situational crisis
  • depression, hopelessness and isolation
  • impaired rational thinking
  • recent loss or bereavement
  • history of suicide attempts
• for self-harm:
  • emotional distress
  • history of self-harming behaviour
  • family disturbance or relationship breakup
  • recent discharge
  • change in occupational or financial status
  • physical illness.

Evidence of intoxication at time of absence

In the Authority to transport absent person form, add relevant information to section 9 (clinical considerations).

Other relevant health conditions

In the Authority to transport absent person form, add relevant information to section 9 (clinical considerations).

Part 3 of 4

Does the (current or past) situation indicate any of the following clinical considerations?

• active signs of mental illness, this may include:
  • mechanical restraint required before or during transport
  • medication required before or during transport
  • highly distressed or acute mental health problems

These factors require mental health clinician attendance

Mental health clinicians provide the necessary expertise to manage clinical risks relating to the person's mental illness.

Remember, they also lead the responses to (and prevention of) patients absent without approval regardless of whether the above factors are indicated.

Which mental health clinician should attend?

This depends on the level of clinical expertise required, it may involve either:

• an authorised psychiatrist
• an authorised doctor
• an authorised mental health practitioner–for example:
  • a nurse practitioner
  • a clinical or registered nurse
  • a psychologist
  • a social worker
  • an occupational therapist

The circumstances of the situation will also affect whether a clinician is required from an inpatient unit or community mental health service.

The next few sections will go through each risk factor and provide guidance and examples for completing the Authority to transport absent person form.

Mechanical restraint and administering medication (sedating)

In the Authority to transport absent person form, add relevant information to section 9 (clinical considerations) under 'active signs of mental illness.'

Remember, in these circumstances you must follow the:

• Chief Psychiatrist policy for Mechanical restraint
• Chief Psychiatrist policy for Clinical need for medication.

Highly distressed or acute mental health problems

In the Authority to transport absent person form, go to section 9 (clinical considerations) and add relevant information to 'active signs of mental illness.'

Part 3 of 4

Does the (current or past) situation indicate any of the following clinical considerations?

• active signs of mental illness, this may include:
  • mechanical restraint required before or during transport
  • medication required before or during transport
  • highly distressed or acute mental health problems

These factors require mental health clinician attendance

Mental health clinicians provide the necessary expertise to manage clinical risks relating to the person's mental illness.

Remember, they also lead the responses to (and prevention of) patients absent without approval regardless of whether the above factors are indicated.

Which mental health clinician should attend?

This depends on the level of clinical expertise required, it may involve either:

• an authorised psychiatrist
• an authorised doctor
• an authorised mental health practitioner–for example:
  • a nurse practitioner
  • a clinical or registered nurse
  • a psychologist
  • a social worker
  • an occupational therapist

The circumstances of the situation will also affect whether a clinician is required from an inpatient unit or community mental health service.

The next few sections will go through each risk factor and provide guidance and examples for completing the Authority to transport absent person form.

Mechanical restraint and administering medication (sedating)

In the Authority to transport absent person form, add relevant information to section 9 (clinical considerations) under 'active signs of mental illness.'

Remember, in these circumstances you must follow the:

• Chief Psychiatrist policy for Mechanical restraint
• Chief Psychiatrist policy for Clinical need for medication.

Highly distressed or acute mental health problems

In the Authority to transport absent person form, add relevant information to section 9 (clinical considerations) under 'active signs of mental illness.'

Part 3 of 4

Does the (current or past) situation indicate any of the following clinical considerations?

• active signs of mental illness, this may include:
  • mechanical restraint required before or during transport
  • medication required before or during transport
  • highly distressed or acute mental health problems

These factors require mental health clinician attendance

Mental health clinicians provide the necessary expertise to manage clinical risks relating to the person's mental illness.

Remember, they also lead the responses to (and prevention of) patients absent without approval regardless of whether the above factors are indicated.

Which mental health clinician should attend?

This depends on the level of clinical expertise required, it may involve either:

• an authorised psychiatrist
• an authorised doctor
• an authorised mental health practitioner–for example:
  • a nurse practitioner
  • a clinical or registered nurse
  • a psychologist
  • a social worker
  • an occupational therapist

The circumstances of the situation will also affect whether a clinician is required from an inpatient unit or community mental health service.

The next few sections will go through each risk factor and provide guidance and examples for completing the Authority to transport absent person form.

Mechanical restraint and administering medication (sedating)

In the Authority to transport absent person form, add relevant information to section 9 (clinical considerations) under 'active signs of mental illness.'

Remember, in these circumstances you must follow the:

• Chief Psychiatrist policy for Mechanical restraint
• Chief Psychiatrist policy for Clinical need for medication.

Highly distressed or acute mental health problems

In the Authority to transport absent person form, add relevant information to section 9 (clinical considerations) under 'active signs of mental illness.'

Part 3 of 4

Does the (current or past) situation indicate any of the following clinical considerations?

• active signs of mental illness, this may include:
  • mechanical restraint required before or during transport
  • medication required before or during transport
  • highly distressed or acute mental health problems

These factors require mental health clinician attendance

Mental health clinicians provide the necessary expertise to manage clinical risks relating to the person's mental illness.

Remember, they also lead the responses to (and prevention of) patients absent without approval regardless of whether the above factors are indicated.

Which mental health clinician should attend?

This depends on the level of clinical expertise required, it may involve either:

• an authorised psychiatrist
• an authorised doctor
• an authorised mental health practitioner–for example:
  • a nurse practitioner
  • a clinical or registered nurse
  • a psychologist
  • a social worker
  • an occupational therapist

The circumstances of the situation will also affect whether a clinician is required from an inpatient unit or community mental health service.

The next few sections will go through each risk factor and provide guidance and examples for completing the Authority to transport absent person form.

Mechanical restraint and administering medication (sedating)

In the Authority to transport absent person form, add relevant information to section 9 (clinical considerations) under 'active signs of mental illness.'

Remember, in these circumstances you must follow the:

• Chief Psychiatrist policy for Mechanical restraint
• Chief Psychiatrist policy for Clinical need for medication.

Highly distressed or acute mental health problems

In the Authority to transport absent person form, add relevant information to section 9 (clinical considerations) under 'active signs of mental illness.'

Part 4 of 4

Does the (current or past) situation indicate any of the following risk factors or clinical considerations?

• communication considerations
• vulnerability (for example, risk of abuse)
• history of trauma or abuse

These factors may require assistance from police, ambulance or mental health clinicians

The next few sections will go through each factor and provide guidance and examples for completing the Authority to transport absent person form.

Communication considerations

In the Authority to transport absent person form, add relevant information to section 9 (clinical considerations).

Remember, you may find this information in an existing Police and ambulance intervention plan.

Vulnerability and history of trauma or abuse

In the Authority to transport absent person form, add relevant information to:

• section 6 (assessed level of risk to self or others) if it indicates assistance from police officers
• section 9 (clinical considerations) if it indicates assistance from ambulance officers or mental health clinicians.

Remember, you may find this information in an existing Police and ambulance intervention plan.

Examples for section 6 (assessed level of risk to self or others)

Examples for section 9 (clinical considerations)

Part 4 of 4

Does the (current or past) situation indicate any of the following risk factors or clinical considerations?

• communication considerations
• vulnerability (for example, risk of abuse)
• history of trauma or abuse

These factors may require assistance from police, ambulance or mental health clinicians

The next few sections will go through each factor and provide guidance and examples for completing the Authority to transport absent person form.

Communication considerations

In the Authority to transport absent person form, add relevant information to section 9 (clinical considerations).

Remember, you may find this information in an existing Police and ambulance intervention plan.

Vulnerability and history of trauma or abuse

In the Authority to transport absent person form, add relevant information to:

• section 6 (assessed level of risk to self or others) if it indicates assistance from police officers
• section 9 (clinical considerations) if it indicates assistance from ambulance officers or mental health clinicians.

Remember, you may find this information in an existing Police and ambulance intervention plan.

Examples for section 6 (assessed level of risk to self or others)

Examples for section 9 (clinical considerations)

Consider what you just added to the Authority to transport absent person form for these factors:

• communication considerations
• vulnerability (for example, risk of abuse)
• history of trauma or abuse

Did it indicate that ambulance assistance may be required for the current situation?

Part 4 of 4

Does the (current or past) situation indicate any of the following risk factors or clinical considerations?

• communication considerations
• vulnerability (for example, risk of abuse)
• history of trauma or abuse

These factors may require assistance from police, ambulance or mental health clinicians

The next few sections will go through each factor and provide guidance and examples for completing the Authority to transport absent person form.

Communication considerations

In the Authority to transport absent person form, add relevant information to section 9 (clinical considerations).

Remember, you may find this information in an existing Police and ambulance intervention plan.

Vulnerability and history of trauma or abuse

In the Authority to transport absent person form, add relevant information to:

• section 6 (assessed level of risk to self or others) if it indicates assistance from police officers
• section 9 (clinical considerations) if it indicates assistance from ambulance officers or mental health clinicians.

Remember, you may find this information in an existing Police and ambulance intervention plan.

Examples for section 6 (assessed level of risk to self or others)

Examples for section 9 (clinical considerations)

Consider what you just added to the Authority to transport absent person form for these factors:

• communication considerations
• vulnerability (for example, risk of abuse)
• history of trauma or abuse

Did it indicate that police assistance may be required for the current situation?

Part 4 of 4

Does the (current or past) situation indicate any of the following risk factors or clinical considerations?

• communication considerations
• vulnerability (for example, risk of abuse)
• history of trauma or abuse

These factors may require assistance from police, ambulance or mental health clinicians

The next few sections will go through each factor and provide guidance and examples for completing the Authority to transport absent person form.

Communication considerations

In the Authority to transport absent person form, add relevant information to section 9 (clinical considerations).

Remember, you may find this information in an existing Police and ambulance intervention plan.

Vulnerability and history of trauma or abuse

In the Authority to transport absent person form, add relevant information to:

• section 6 (assessed level of risk to self or others) if it indicates assistance from police officers
• section 9 (clinical considerations) if it indicates assistance from ambulance officers or mental health clinicians.

Remember, you may find this information in an existing Police and ambulance intervention plan.

Examples for section 6 (assessed level of risk to self or others)

Examples for section 9 (clinical considerations)

Consider what you just added to the Authority to transport absent person form for these factors:

• communication considerations
• vulnerability (for example, risk of abuse)
• history of trauma or abuse

Did it indicate that ambulance or police assistance may be required for the current situation?

Part 4 of 4

Does the (current or past) situation indicate any of the following risk factors or clinical considerations?

• communication considerations
• vulnerability (for example, risk of abuse)
• history of trauma or abuse

These factors may require assistance from police, ambulance or mental health clinicians

The next few sections will go through each factor and provide guidance and examples for completing the Authority to transport absent person form.

Communication considerations

In the Authority to transport absent person form, add relevant information to section 9 (clinical considerations).

Remember, you may find this information in an existing Police and ambulance intervention plan.

Vulnerability and history of trauma or abuse

In the Authority to transport absent person form, add relevant information to:

• section 6 (assessed level of risk to self or others) if it indicates assistance from police officers
• section 9 (clinical considerations) if it indicates assistance from ambulance officers or mental health clinicians.

Remember, you may find this information in an existing Police and ambulance intervention plan.

Examples for section 6 (assessed level of risk to self or others)

Examples for section 9 (clinical considerations)

Part 4 of 4

Does the (current or past) situation indicate any of the following risk factors or clinical considerations?

• communication considerations
• vulnerability (for example, risk of abuse)
• history of trauma or abuse

These factors may require assistance from police, ambulance or mental health clinicians

The next few sections will go through each factor and provide guidance and examples for completing the Authority to transport absent person form.

Communication considerations

In the Authority to transport absent person form, add relevant information to section 9 (clinical considerations).

Remember, you may find this information in an existing Police and ambulance intervention plan.

Vulnerability and history of trauma or abuse

In the Authority to transport absent person form, add relevant information to:

• section 6 (assessed level of risk to self or others) if it indicates assistance from police officers
• section 9 (clinical considerations) if it indicates assistance from ambulance officers or mental health clinicians.

Remember, you may find this information in an existing Police and ambulance intervention plan.

Examples for section 6 (assessed level of risk to self or others)

Examples for section 9 (clinical considerations)

Consider what you just added to the Authority to transport absent person form for these factors:

• communication considerations
• vulnerability (for example, risk of abuse)
• history of trauma or abuse

Did it indicate that ambulance assistance may be required for the current situation?

Part 4 of 4

Does the (current or past) situation indicate any of the following risk factors or clinical considerations?

• communication considerations
• vulnerability (for example, risk of abuse)
• history of trauma or abuse

These factors may require assistance from police, ambulance or mental health clinicians

The next few sections will go through each factor and provide guidance and examples for completing the Authority to transport absent person form.

Communication considerations

In the Authority to transport absent person form, add relevant information to section 9 (clinical considerations).

Remember, you may find this information in an existing Police and ambulance intervention plan.

Vulnerability and history of trauma or abuse

In the Authority to transport absent person form, add relevant information to:

• section 6 (assessed level of risk to self or others) if it indicates assistance from police officers
• section 9 (clinical considerations) if it indicates assistance from ambulance officers or mental health clinicians.

Remember, you may find this information in an existing Police and ambulance intervention plan.

Examples for section 6 (assessed level of risk to self or others)

Examples for section 9 (clinical considerations)

Consider what you just added to the Authority to transport absent person form for these factors:

• communication considerations
• vulnerability (for example, risk of abuse)
• history of trauma or abuse

Did it indicate that police assistance may be required for the current situation?

Part 4 of 4

Does the (current or past) situation indicate any of the following risk factors or clinical considerations?

• communication considerations
• vulnerability (for example, risk of abuse)
• history of trauma or abuse

These factors may require assistance from police, ambulance or mental health clinicians

The next few sections will go through each factor and provide guidance and examples for completing the Authority to transport absent person form.

Communication considerations

In the Authority to transport absent person form, add relevant information to section 9 (clinical considerations).

Remember, you may find this information in an existing Police and ambulance intervention plan.

Vulnerability and history of trauma or abuse

In the Authority to transport absent person form, add relevant information to:

• section 6 (assessed level of risk to self or others) if it indicates assistance from police officers
• section 9 (clinical considerations) if it indicates assistance from ambulance officers or mental health clinicians.

Remember, you may find this information in an existing Police and ambulance intervention plan.

Examples for section 6 (assessed level of risk to self or others)

Examples for section 9 (clinical considerations)

Consider what you just added to the Authority to transport absent person form for these factors:

• communication considerations
• vulnerability (for example, risk of abuse)
• history of trauma or abuse

Did it indicate that ambulance or police assistance may be required for the current situation?