The Herbert Protocol

The Herbert Protocol

The Herbert Protocol is a form that holds important information about a person living with dementia, including a description of what they look like, a recent photo, any medicine they take, important phone numbers to call, and places from their past where they find comfort and familiarity.

The Herbert Protocol was first established in the UK, where is has been used many times to help police and other agencies quickly and safely locate missing people who have dementia.

The protocol is named after George Herbert, a war veteran from the Normandy landings who lived with dementia. After he went missing a few times, his local police realised they needed a better way to look after vulnerable people. The idea was to step in early and lower the risks, which led to the Herbert Protocol being created.

An Garda Síochána and the HSE’s support of the Herbert Protocol will raise awareness of this initiative nationally and help support the over 64,000 people living with dementia in Ireland. If a loved one is reported missing, the family hands this pre-completed form directly to An Garda Síochána. This eliminates the need for Gardaí to conduct lengthy interviews during the critical first hour of a search, allowing Gardaí to deploy resources immediately to the locations where the person is most likely to be found.

Completing your Herbert Protocol form is an important step in being prepared for living with dementia. Families are encouraged to keep a printed copy in a prominent place at home and to provide a digital copy to trusted family members.

Download the Herbert Protocol form and completion guidance: 

• Herbert Protocol Questionnaire
• Herbert Protocol Questionnaire Guidance