How to handle a General Emergency

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Definitions:

Medical emergency: any situation that requires immediate medical attention; injuries or illnesses suffered can be life-threatening or non-life-threatening.

Life-threatening injuries or illnesses: injuries or an illness (i.e., severe burns and wounds, heart attack, stroke, head trauma) that pose serious risk to the individual’s life and requires immediate medical attention.

Non-life-threatening injuries or illnesses: injuries or illnesses that may require immediate or delayed medical attention, but should not result in death or permanent disability to the individual.

Steps to handling a Life-threatening Medical Emergency:

Remain calm and stay with the person

Call 911:

  • If someone is unconscious – remain calm, stay with the person, call 911
  • If someone is not breathing – remain calm, stay with the person, call 911
  • If someone is having chest pain – remain calm, stay with the person, call 911
  • If they have a life-threatening injury or illness – remain calm, stay with the person, call 911

Steps to handling a Non-Life-threatening Medical Emergency:

Come to the Wellness Center (or call 856-225-6005) for assistance:

  • If someone is feeling ill and can walk to the wellness center – walk with them
  • If someone is injured and can walk to the wellness center – walk with them
  • Contact the Wellness Center if they have a non-life-threatening injury or illness to make an appointment

Mental health crisis

For immediate danger: If a person is an immediate threat to themselves, do not leave them alone. If a person is an immediate threat to others – you may need to find a safe space to contact 911and/or the RUPD. Immediately call 911 or campus police – RUPD at (856) 225-6111.

For acute distress: For students exhibiting signs of distress, you can contact the wellness center for guidance and bring the student to the office for an emergency appointment. The Center can provide support and help with referrals.

Listen and show empathy: Acknowledge the person’s distress and listen without judgment. Create a safe, private space for them to talk.

Do not promise confidentiality: If a person’s life is in danger, you must prioritize their safety. Inform the person that you cannot keep the information confidential if it involves immediate harm. 

If you witness an emergency – the Wellness Center is here to support you – contact the Wellness Center for assistance (856) 225-6005.

Strategies to Help You in an Emergency Situation

Keep Emergency Number(s) in your Phone

Consider taking a First Aid/CPR course