A vulnerable man with dementia has been found after he went missing from his home in North Tyneside.
At around 4am on Tuesday (January 31), police received a report that an elderly man had gone missing from his address in Backworth, North Tyneside. Thankfully, however, was located and safely returned home by officers from Northumbria Police - within forty minutes of the first report.
Following the initial report, officers and the Force’s Dog Section were deployed and searches were carried out in a bid to locate the 88-year-old man.
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The officers’ searches were also aided by a Herbert Protocol form which his family had previously filled out. The form records important information about a vulnerable person and assists emergency services to understand their routines, interests, and other key information as quickly as possible.
Within 40 minutes of him being reported as missing, the man had been located safe and well and was taken back home.
Chief Inspector Laura Douglas, of Northumbria Police, said: “Thanks to the swift action and teamwork from officers, a vulnerable man with dementia who was outdoors on his own in icy temperatures was safely located and escorted home, where he is now safe.
“We are proud to use the Herbert Protocol, a nationwide scheme which encourages carers and family members to record useful information which could be used if a vulnerable person with Alzheimer’s or Dementia goes missing.
“Not everybody appears confused if they do go missing with Dementia, so on some occasions we don’t really know what we’re looking for. That’s why this form is so important because it can give us a detailed history of that person, whether they have been missing before, where they were found and where they are likely to go.
“We are absolutely delighted that the man was returned home safely, and this outlines how effective planning can really help during these high-pressure and fast-moving incidents, which inevitably cause panic and alarm to loved ones.
“As a Force, we put vulnerability at the heart of everything we do and with the assistance of schemes such as this to protect those most at risk, we will do everything we can to secure a positive outcome.”
Chief Insp Douglas added: “We would encourage as many families as possible to fill in the forms – it only takes a minute – and it could prove the difference should the worst does happen and a loved one goes missing.”
For more information on the Herbert Protocol, other similar protocols in place, or advice on what to do with missing persons episodes, please visit the Northumbria Police website.
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