If someone is missing or in immediate danger, contact local emergency services now. Do not delay urgent help to complete a worksheet. See emergency information by location.
An emergency profile gives you one place to organize the details a responder may need. It should describe the individual rather than make assumptions from a diagnosis. The free responder samples include a two-page profile, an encounter log, and an update sheet.
Build the profile around the person
- Identification: Use a current photograph, the person’s name and familiar name, and up-to-date caregiver contact details.
- Communication: Record how the person communicates, the languages they understand, and words, pictures, or familiar items that may help.
- Possible destinations: Note places the person is drawn to, where they have previously been found, and known nearby hazards.
- Approach and support: Describe touch preferences, sensory needs, and what has helped in previous situations.
- Health information: Include relevant medical needs and current information supplied by the person’s care team.
The CDC recommends preparation such as keeping current identification information, recognizing patterns, and involving the people who support the child. Discuss an individualized safety plan with appropriate professionals. Read the CDC’s wandering and elopement guidance.
Decide where the information belongs
Ask the school, care team, or local agency how it accepts safety information and how updates should be provided. Do not assume that emailing a profile registers someone with an emergency service. Keep sensitive copies secure and share them only with people who need the information.
Make updates easy
Put a review date on the profile. Revisit it when contact details, appearance, communication, routes, interests, or support needs change. The update sheet can help you describe exactly what is new instead of rewriting everything from memory.
Record what helped after an encounter
When the immediate situation has been resolved, the encounter log can capture observable facts: where the person was found, the supports used, medical assessment information if applicable, and follow-up contacts. Follow the agency’s reporting and privacy requirements.
A worksheet cannot prevent every incident or replace emergency response procedures. Its role is to make relevant information easier to share.