Date of Last Review: 4/07

Purpose:

To define procedure for escorting and supervising patients attending activities on the secured outside grounds.

Procedure:

1. Areas that are high-risk/off limits to the patients are identified by a yellow tape marker. Patients are not to access these areas. These areas are identified as:

• East side of the property just pass the patient outside restroom
• South end of the walking/jogging trail pass the large Gazebo
• Gym is off limits to patients and staff during the Fresh Air break. Gym can be used at other times when the activity is scheduled.

2. All high-risk areas/off limit areas are to be monitored by staff during the entire break period. The areas are identified as:

• Entry/Exit Door to the building
• Walking/Jogging trail
• Large Gazebo area
• Small Gazebo areas east of the secured smoke area
• Secured smoke area (front and back)

3. Staff is to escort patients to the Fresh Air area using the 1:5 ratio (refer to Patient Supervision for Off-Unit Activities).
   
   
4. Fresh Air Breaks will be limited to 15-20 minutes per break in order for all patients to have an opportunity to go outside.
   
   
5. Communication to the units will be done via walkie-talkies.
   
   
6. Each patient presence and whereabouts while on fresh air break will be documented on rounds sheets (per policy) at ten (10) minute intervals by the staff accompanying the patients.
   
   
7. After fresh air break, the staff will take each unit back inside by staggering the return to the units, giving each unit 5 minutes to enter. This is to prevent all units retuning at the same time while decreasing the number of patients gathered at the entrance door and hallway.
   
   
8. Cigarettes will be limited to two per patient. Packs of cigarettes will not be given to patients.
   
   
9. Staff will hold the lighter and light cigarettes for patients. Patients will not be allowed to hold lighter.
   

Reference:

Fresh Air Break Rounds Sheet