CAD markers: the new flags / warnings

Sometimes we mark extra information on our computer aided dispatch (CAD) system in relation to certain patients or addresses. They can include things like:

• a potential risk to staff (for example a history of violence at an address)
• patients with a ‘do not attempt resuscitation (DNACPR) order’ (though the use of these markers is currently under review)
• specific or rare medical conditions, or palliative care
• access information, like key codes.

Previously called ‘flags’ or ‘warnings’, these are now known as CAD ‘markers’.

If a patient or an address has a marker, EOC can pass relevant information onto crews in the best interest of both them and the patient involved.

Can I get a marker added to an address?

Unfortunately, one of the most common markers relates to patients or addresses that pose a potential risk to you as staff; if you attend an address where you’re exposed to actual or potential violence, of any kind, you can request that a temporary CAD marker is added to the system. You can do this by:

• emailing the secure CAD marker email address at eoeasnt.CADmarkers@nhs.net. Please make sure you email from a secure account as well (ie. an nhs.net account). If you don’t have a secure nhs.net email account please talk to your line manager about how to send your information to the team securely.

• or contacting the EOC and verbally requesting a marker is added. The team will then email the above address on your behalf.

These markers will be temporarily added to the CAD and will be held for 45 days.

You should then complete an incident report via Datix so an investigation can be completed – the outcome of this investigation will determine whether the temporary marker is then made permanent.

The investigations themselves are usually completed by a duty locality officer (DLO), and should be completed within 45 days of the incident. If the investigation isn’t completed in time, then the temporary CAD marker will be removed so it’s really important the report is finalised and sent to eoeasnt.CADmarkers@nhs.net within the timeframe. Once the report has been received, the CAD marker governance group will make a final decision on whether the marker should become permanent or be removed.

This process allows correct information to be stored for ‘CAD markers’; if you have any queries on this process, or you have a question about what information should or shouldn’t be recorded, please speak to your line manager in the first instance.

Published 31st December, 2015