RESOURCES

Important Phone Numbers  |  What to do in Case of Emergency  |  Overdose of Alcohol or Drugs

Self Harm  |  Accidents  |  Making a First Aid Kit

IMPORTANT PHONE NUMBERS

JCU EMS: x4600 (on campus)
JCU Campus Safety Services: x4600
University Heights Fire and Police: 911
University Heights Fire and Police (non-emergency): (216) 321-2446
Poison Control Center: 1-800-222-1222

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WHAT TO DO IN CASE OF EMERGENCY

On campus dial x4600 and provide the dispatcher with the following information:

• The location of the emergency including nearby landmarks (building, room, etc)

• What happened (the complaint)

• How many individuals require assistance (a number)

• Condition of the individuals

• What assistance is currently being given?

• Any other information requested

Do not hang up until the emergency dispatcher does. Remain with the patient until further help arrives.

In response to your call the emergency operator will ask questions that you may think are not important. Remember that the operator will remain calm because it is their job to handle such emergencies and they handle many everyday. While you are talking to them, they are beginning the emergency response.

They need all of the information they request. Be specific. Based on this information, the EMS crew can then plan on how they will handle the emergency as they approach your location. Give the correct address where you are currently located. Be sure to give the full name and location from which you are calling. If the emergency is difficult to locate or you do not know exactly where it is, provide the dispatcher with a "general vicinity" of the emergency location or have someone lead help in.

Above all, do not hang up until the dispatcher has all of the needed information. Remember that you may not be familiar with managing an emergency, but emergency operators are. By following the above instructions, you will enable them to help you more quickly and efficiently.

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OVERDOSE OF ALCOHOL OR DRUGS

If someone has overdosed on alcohol, drugs or medication call 911 or x4600 immediately. If you are not sure whether the amount they have taken is damaging you can contact your local poison control center for advice. Save any bottles, pill containers, etc and give these to the ambulance crew. Do not encourage the patient vomit before the ambulance arrives unless you are told to do so.

Even if an individual appears to be all right at the moment, get help and advice. Often the damage from an overdose is not immediately apparent and can cause problems over time and in the future – always call if you have any suspicion of an overdose.

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SELF HARM

If someone has harmed himself or herself intentionally, call 911 or x4600 immediately. They need assistance right away.

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ACCIDENTS

You may first assist the victim and other first responders by remaining calm. This is vital. While remaining composed, call one of the above emergency numbers and give all of the requested information. If someone else is available to make the call, have him or her do it while you help the victim.

Help is only minutes away. Do not move an accident victim if there is any suggestion of head, back or neck injuries, or you do not know exactly what transpired. Do only the procedures in which you have been trained or told by a dispatcher to do. Keep others away from the victim, but let them help by bringing the first aid kit, blankets, etc. Have someone lead the emergency responders to the scene when they are nearby. Allow campus safety services to keep others back if there is a crowd. They know best how to control a large group.

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MAKING A FIRST AID KIT

A general residence hall/automotive first-aid kit should include:

• A first aid manual and emergency contact list
• Medicines:
• Pain reliever/fever reducer (acetaminophen, ibuprofen or aspirin)
• Cough suppressant
• Antihistamine to relieve allergic reaction and inflammation (Benadryl)
• Decongestant tablets
• Fluids designed to provide oral rehydration (Gatorade)
• Injury care items:
  • Assorted bandages for minor abrasions/lacerations
  • A triangular bandage for a sling
  • Elastic wrap (an ace bandage)
  • Gauze in rolls
  • Two-inch and four-inch pads to dress larger wounds
  • A roll of bandage adhesive tape
  • Scissors
  • Safety pins
  • Antiseptic wipes
  • Tweezers
  • Hydrogen peroxide
  • Rubber gloves
• Other Supplies:
  • Thermometer
  • Calamine lotion
  • Hydrocortisone cream

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