Carers Emergency Response Card

Being prepared for an unplanned event is always a good idea. If you look after a friend or family member having a back-up plan is important if something should happen to you which means you are unable to provide the care you would do normally. 


We advise all carers to create a “What if..” plan which is a really useful document where you put all the information about your caring role in one place. Should you be unable to care for whatever reason, it’s clear exactly what needs to be done if somebody else needs to take over. 


Use your “What if..” plan to help in case of an emergency or unplanned event, such as a sudden illness or accident or travel disruption, for example car/bus broken down. 


Thinking ahead and creating a “What if..” plan or reviewing an existing plan can ease anxiety and give you a sense of control. 


Things to consider include:

- Details of the name and contact details of the person you look after

- Who you and the person you look after would like to be contacted in an emergency – this might include friends, family or professionals.

- Details of any medication the person you look after is taking.

- Details of any ongoing treatment they need.

- Notes of any important information


Make sure that this information is printed and kept safely to-hand, should it ever be needed. Talk about and share the plan with the person you care for and those named as your emergency contacts.


The Herbert Protocol: additional support for those looking after someone with dementia.


The Lincolnshire Carers Emergency Service

The Carer’s Emergency Response Service (CERS) provides carers with peace of mind that in the event of an emergency, the person you care for will receive help and support whilst you’re not there.

In the event of an emergency or something happening that prevents you continuing to care for your relative or friend, this free service will implement the support that is appropriate and available, guided by your emergency plan.

Your arrangements could be to contact a family member, neighbour or friend who can support the person you provide care for. Alternatively, you may wish support to be directly provided to the person you care for in their own home. This can be for up to 48 hours (72 hours on a Bank Holiday weekend). During that time we can plan together for what happens next.

Once the emergency plan has been registered with Lincolnshire County Council you will receive a Carers Identification and Emergency Card. This is the size of a credit card you can carry with you at all times. It displays a 24-hour emergency telephone line number and also includes a unique identity number that links to your emergency plan. 

To register and activate the plan, all you or someone on your behalf needs to do is phone the number on the card and your emergency plan will be followed.

For more information and to register a plan please call the carers team at Lincolnshire County Council’s Customer Service Centre by calling them on: 01522 782224.