Delivering medicines will involve you working on your own away from the pharmacy. Your pharmacy is required to assess the associated risks and put in place the necessary controls required to ensure you are safe in your work.

This will have been done by way of a lone workers policy which your pharmacist will discuss with you and you are required to abide by. The policy will cover some of the general areas detailed below.

Your whereabouts - ensure the pharmacy knows your whereabouts and what you are doing alongside your planned delivery route, updating them as required with any major changes in your plans. Have a charged mobile phone with you at all times with the pharmacy number programmed for speed dial so that in the event of an emergency you can contact them quickly.

First aid - keep a portable first aid kit in your vehicle to deal with any accidents or injuries that may incur whilst alone, however should your injury be more serious seek immediate medical help. All accidents must be recorded in the accident book. Even if they are a 'near miss' and no serious injury is inflicted, making a record means the situation can be reviewed to see if action should be taken to prevent reoccurrence.

Spillages - whilst transporting medicines there is the possibility of breakages or spillages and some medicines contain potentially dangerous substances, such as cytotoxics found in anticancer therapies. Under the COSHH (Control of Substances Hazardous to Health) regulations your employer will have considered the hazards posed by handling dangerous substances. They will make you aware of what items you are delivering and train you on any precautions you need to take, such as wearing protective gloves.

Most pharmacies have a spill kit to help clear up spillages more easily and it is advisable to keep a portable spill kit in your delivery vehicle. A spill kit commonly consists of protective clothing items such as gloves, an apron, absorbent granules and instructions to follow.

Record this spillage in line with your pharmacy procedures and return to the pharmacy to replace the medicines for the delivery.

Dealing with aggressive or potentially violent individuals - you may have to deal with angry individuals, be it a customer or member of the general public. Our first reaction when dealing with an angry person is to feel that we have done something wrong and become defensive or emotional. It is important to control your emotions as situations can quickly escalate out of control which may put you and others at risk. Remain calm, listen carefully and try to calm down the individual which will enable you to establish the reasons behind any issues they have. Remember you are representing the pharmacy and you should act appropriately at all times whether you are out in the community or in the pharmacy.

Anger and aggression can be defined as two different things, anger is an emotion and aggression is an act, your safety always comes first and if you feel the individual is becoming aggressive you need to take immediate action. You are advised to move to an area where other people can see or hear you and avoid crossing your arms or putting your hands in your pockets as this may leave you vulnerable. Avoid being distracted and stay focused on the threat. If inside a property, position yourself by a door so you can leave quickly if necessary. For these types of situations you may consider carrying a personal alarm in your pocket which, when activated, emits a sound to disorientate an attacker giving you valuable seconds to get away.

If you are unable to calm someone down, know when to draw the line, if you cannot comfortably or safely make the delivery leave the property and call the pharmacy immediately.