The idea of having to dial 911 is not a pleasant one. No one wants an emergency on campus, and certainly no one wants an emergency to happen without proper protocol in place. But, what is proper protocol?
Dialing “911” for most of us is as far as we get when thinking about how to handle a sudden emergency. However, truly managing risk involves a several-step process that can easily be implemented with a few runs of the copier and a couple of test runs with your faculty, staff, and students.
- Have one person knowledgeable of first aid stay with the injured person to administer (where appropriate), Basic Life Saving (CPR, AED, etc.), while someone else calls 911.
- Designate someone (possibly the caller) to meet EMS at an appointed location.
During the call:
- Remain calm.
- Provide your name and the school’s name and location. Provide the closest intersection of streets, and landmarks (e.g., next to City Green Park)
- Give them your cell and school phone numbers
- Describe the injury, symptoms, or situation in as much detail as possible
- Tell them what’s been done so far
- Ask: “What should we do until you arrive?”
- Tell them where you will meet the EMS team so you can direct them to the injured party
- Have 911 repeat the information you gave—listen!
- Let them hang up
- If the situation changes significantly, (e.g., new symptoms), call 911again if they’re still in transit
Practice this protocol BEFORE you really need to use it!!
