What is the Herbert Protocol?
The Herbert Protocol is a national UK initiative, first developed by Norfolk Police, designed to aid in the safe and rapid return of vulnerable missing persons, particularly those living with dementia. The protocol is named after George Herbert, a Normandy veteran who lived with dementia and tragically died while searching for his childhood home after going missing.
The protocol's core component is a standardized information form that is completed in advance by carers or family members. In the event that a person with dementia goes missing, this form is provided to the police. This gives law enforcement immediate access to critical details without having to rely on the caregiver's memory during a stressful and emotional emergency situation. This crucial document allows officers to target their search more effectively, saving precious time in the first critical hours after a person is reported missing.
The Herbert Protocol form
The Herbert Protocol form records comprehensive, up-to-date information that is vital for a search and rescue operation. The form is not held by the police beforehand; it is kept by the carer and submitted only when needed.
- Personal Information: Full name, date of birth, and physical description.
- Medical Details: Information on health issues, medications, and potential medical needs.
- Routine and Habits: Insights into the person's daily routine and behaviour, including common times they might wander.
- Significant Locations: Past addresses, former workplaces, places of worship, or other emotionally significant locations they might try to visit.
- Recent Photograph: An up-to-date photo is essential for identification.
- Emergency Contacts: Next-of-kin and other key contact details.
Understanding the "Herbert protocol tag for dementia"
The concept of a "tag" is not a mandatory or standard element of the national Herbert Protocol itself but is offered by some local police forces as part of their broader safeguarding schemes. These physical tags are complementary devices designed to provide another layer of protection. They are linked to the information collected in the Herbert Protocol form.
For example, the Dementia Safeguarding Scheme run by Avon and Somerset Police integrates the Herbert Protocol with physical assistance devices. Other organisations, like MedicAlert, also work in partnership with the protocol by providing secure digital storage and identification jewellery.
Types of physical tags and devices
- NFC Wristbands and Hangtags: These Near-Field Communication devices store essential information, like the wearer's name and next-of-kin. If a person with dementia is found, a member of the public or an emergency service professional can scan the tag with an NFC-enabled smartphone to access the details, helping to return the person home safely.
- Bluetooth Trackers: Some schemes provide Bluetooth trackers (e.g., Tile devices) that can be attached to a person's lanyard, keyring, or bag. These work by using Bluetooth to signal their location to other devices on the same network. While not a constant GPS tracker, they can help narrow a search area significantly.
The Herbert Protocol vs. Optional Physical Tags
| Feature | Herbert Protocol (The Form) | Optional Physical Tag (NFC/BT) |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Purpose | To provide police with a detailed information profile to accelerate a search for a missing person. | To provide immediate identification or limited location tracking if the individual is found or is nearby. |
| Information Storage | Information is stored securely by the carer, either as a paper copy or digitally online. | Data is stored on the physical device itself (NFC) or linked to an app/network (Bluetooth). |
| Activation | Form is only given to the police when the individual is officially reported missing. | Device is active as soon as it's set up and can be scanned or tracked by others at any time. |
| Availability | Available nationally across the UK. | Availability varies by local police scheme or partnership. Not universally available. |
| Cost | The form is free to download and use. | May be provided free of charge by a local scheme, or involve a subscription cost through a third-party partner. |
How to get started with the Herbert Protocol
Implementing the protocol is a proactive step that can be taken at any time and should be done before an emergency occurs. Here is a straightforward process to follow:
- Obtain the form: Carers can download the form from their local police force's website or an official partner like MedicAlert or Dementia UK.
- Complete the form: Fill in all sections of the form with as much detail as possible, involving the person with dementia where appropriate.
- Attach a recent photo: Ensure a recent and clear photograph is included and update it regularly.
- Store the form securely: Keep the form in a place that is easily accessible in an emergency and ensure other family members or carers know its location. For online forms (e.g., with MedicAlert), ensure your account details are known.
- Consider physical tags: If your local police force offers a supplemental tag or wearable device, investigate the option and register for it.
- Regularly update: Review and update the information on the form regularly to ensure it is accurate and current.
Conclusion
While there is no single "Herbert protocol tag for dementia," the national Herbert Protocol provides an essential pre-emptive safeguarding tool for anyone caring for a person with dementia. By completing and maintaining the information form, carers provide police with the crucial information needed to mount a fast and effective search, significantly increasing the chances of a safe return. In certain areas, optional physical tags and devices offer an additional layer of security and peace of mind. Both the form and the complementary technologies work together to create a robust system for safeguarding those at risk of going missing due to their condition.
For more information on the Herbert Protocol, visit the official website: https://herbertprotocol.com/.
