APS Investigator Helps a Woman Experiencing Life-Threatening Emergency

Recently, an older woman was involved in a minor car accident while driving in Yuma. She seemed to be uninjured and safe to return home, but the Yuma County Deputy who responded was concerned about cognitive impairments. He filed a report with DES Adult Protective Services (APS), potentially saving her life.

When the APS Central Intake Unit received the report, they quickly classified it as “Priority 1,” sending an investigator, Lora, out to the woman’s house that same day.

At first, when Lora knocked on the door, no one answered. She remembered that the report mentioned a trusted neighbor. He happened to be able to assist.

He explained that his neighbor is normally very lucid. He was able to enter the home and the woman was inside. He invited Lora in so she could complete a safety evaluation.

That’s when Lora knew urgent medical services were needed. “I felt shortly after making contact with her that something else was going on,” Lora said. “She needed immediate medical attention.” When the medics arrived, they determined that she was experiencing a life-threatening emergency so serious that she was flown to Phoenix for care.

While APS investigators regularly encounter individuals with varying levels of cognitive impairment resulting from chronic conditions, Lora’s experience and intuition told her something was wrong. Later, the woman’s physician told Lora that she likely wouldn’t have survived the night without medical intervention.

Thankfully, the woman fully recovered and later moved out of state to be closer to family. The woman told Lora she was very grateful for everything Lora had done.

If you suspect a vulnerable adult is experiencing self-neglect, please either file a report online with APS 24 hours a day, seven days a week or by calling 1-877-SOS-ADULT (1-877-767-2385) Monday - Friday, 7:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.; Saturday, Sunday and state holidays, 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.