Emergency Protocols
- In the event of inclement weather, Har-Go rides will follow Harford County Public Schools and the Harford County Government. If schools or the government are closed or delayed, all rides will be cancelled and rescheduled as soon as possible. It is up to the discretion of the volunteer driver if they are willing to drive. If a ride is scheduled, it is the responsibility of the driver to reach out to the client to make them aware of any changes or cancellations. If the client cancels the ride, please contact the office ASAP so the driver can be made aware.
- If a vehicular accident occurs during a ride, immediately turn on your hazard lights, if it is possible, move the vehicle to a safe location away from traffic, call 911, even if the accident did not result in any injuries, then call the office to notify the Office Manager and receive further instructions. Take photos of the scene, vehicle damage, and any relevant surroundings. Make sure to record names, contact information, license plate numbers, and insurance information of any involved parties. Complete the accident report forms provided in your welcome folder and submit them to the Har-Go office within 24 hours of the incident.
- If a medical emergency occurs during a ride, move to a safe location, then call 911 and follow all 911 instructions; administer care only if advised by 911. Ask 911 to call the passenger’s emergency contact. If necessary, the volunteer will call the emergency contact. Remain with the passenger until help arrives. Contact the office to notify the Office Manager and receive further instructions.
- If a passenger becomes ill during transport and needs emergency care, the Volunteer Driver should call 911 after pulling off the road for safety. A volunteer driver is never expected to transport a passenger to the Emergency Room. If this happens when the Volunteer Driver is near a hospital, the passenger may be driven to the Emergency Room, if the volunteer is comfortable doing so. The Volunteer Driver should notify the passenger’s emergency contact and the Har-Go Rides office.
- If the volunteer’s vehicle breaks down, attempt to find a safe place to pull over and turn on your hazard lights. Call the necessary services for assistance. Clients should reach out to their preferred person (emergency contact) to make them aware of the situation. When able, the client or volunteer should contact and notify the Office Manager of the situation.
- If a client is a no-show at the scheduled pick-up time, attempt to call the client first. Do not enter a client’s home. If the client does not answer their phone, contact the Office Manager and make them aware of the situation. The Office Manager will provide the driver with further instructions.