Medical Emergencies

Medical Emergencies

Important: If you think a person requires immediate medical attention, call Campus Safety at 925-631-4282 or 9-1-1.

Use the following guidelines and common sense to determine what a true medical emergency is and when to call from any phone. If in doubt, call Campus Safety at 925-631-4282.

1. Persistent or sudden chest pain
2. Breathing emergencies (such as choking)
3. Uncontrollable bleeding
4. Severe altered level of consciousness (including blacking out)
5. Life-threatening, such as injuries to the head, severe burns, or from falling
6. If you are in doubt of the seriousness DO NOT hesitate to call Campus Safety at 925-631-4282

When a work-related injury or illness occurs:

• Give first aid or CPR, if trained
• Off-campus, take the injured employee to a doctor or hospital, as necessary

Reporting injury or illness:

• Report work-related injury or illness to Campus Safety at 925-631-4282, and then to the Human Resources Office at 925-631-4212.
• Read the Saint Mary’s standard “Injury and Illness Prevention Program” in the SMC Staff Handbook (available at https://www.stmarys-ca.edu/offices-services/human-resources/employee-relations-resources/handbook)

Exposure to Blood or Body Fluids/Need Sticks

PRECAUTIONS: Prompt evaluation is important if a person has been exposed (by needs stick, splash, or direct contact) to Biological fluids such as blood, body fluids, or laboratory-associated exposure to HIV.

Immediate protocol for exposure to Biological fluids such as human blood, body fluids, or HIV:

• IMMEDIATELY wash the wound and skin with soap and warm water
• IMMEDIATELY flush exposed mucous membranes (eyes, mouth, etc.) with water
• Seek medical advice as directed below (treatment may also be included)

Call Campus Safety at 925-631-4282 and then call John Muir Hospital at 925-939-3000.

• You will receive over-the-phone evaluation and counseling by a medical professional and Environmental Medicine healthcare provider who is experienced and skilled in evaluating exposures.
• You may be advised to receive prophylactic treatment at the Emergency Room at John Muir Hospital or a Medical Facility nearby.

To meet statutory reporting requirements, all exposures MUST also be reported to the EH&S department during normal business hours: call 925-631-4286 and ask for the EH&S Manager. Have them call the EH&S cell phone if not available.

Clothing on fire:

• Roll the person around on the floor to smother the flames or drench them with water if a safety shower is immediately available
• Obtain medical attention immediately. Call Campus Safety at 925-631-4282 or 9-1-1
• Reported incident to Supervisor or Dean and Human Resources.

Chemical spill on the body:

• Flood exposed areas with running water for at least 15 minutes
• Remove contaminated clothing
• Call Campus Safet at 925-631-4282 or 9-1-1
• Make sure the chemical has not accumulated in the victim’s shoes
• Report the incident to the Supervisor or Dean and Human Resources

Hazardous material splashed in the eye

• Immediately rinse the eyeball and the inner surface of the eyelid with water for 15 minutes
• Forcibly hold the eye to ensure effective wash behind eyelids
• OBTAIN IMMEDIATE MEDICAL ATTENTION! Call Campus Safety at 925-631-4282 or 9-1-1
• Report the incident to the Supervisor or Dean and Human Resources

Minor cuts and puncture wounds

• Vigorously wash the injury with soap and warm water for several minutes
• Obtain medical attention as required
• Report the incident to the Supervisor or Dean and Human Resources.

Remember: All injuries - regardless of how minor they appear - MUST be reported