Minors on Campus Medical Emergency and Non-Emergency Response Procedures

Medical Illness Or Injury

Minor Illnesses or Injuries

In the event of a minor injury (such as a small cut), program/activity staff may provide the necessary first aid supplies (a Band-Aid, for instance), and then document the incident and the response. Always be sure to follow up with the minor, even after the most minor illness or injury to ensure that it does not require further attention.

Minors may also complain of health and medical issues that are still minor, but where the problem and appropriate response are less clear. For instance, a headache or cold lasting longer than a day or two, an ache or pain that could be a pull or sprain, an unusual bite or rash, or any other out-of-the-ordinary symptom. Never assume that a physical complaint is just nothing, and do not try to diagnose the problem or the appropriate response on your own. Instead, first consult with the Program Administrator. Generally, parents/guardians should be contacted, the complaint or symptoms explained (in these cases, it’s usually helpful to have the parent or guardian to talk to the minor directly about the concern as well), and leave the decision to the parent/guardian to advise as to what they would like the staff to do.

Major Illnesses or Injuries and Medical Emergencies

While medical emergencies are rare, they do occur. As in any emergency, one of the most important things you can do, as a staff member is to remain calm. If there is more than one staff member present, one should attend to the injured minor, while the other staff member attends to the rest of the group. Ensure that the other minors are safe, out of the way, and keep them calm and occupied while the emergency is addressed.

***In the event of a medical emergency, call 911.***Program staff trained in first aid or CPR, may administer emergency aid while waiting for help to arrive. In the event of illness or injury where the minor needs to be taken to an emergency room, call for an ambulance and then contact Public Safety at (314) 529-9500.

In the event of an emergency or major illness or injury, the Program Administrator should be contacted as soon as reasonably possible. Next, the minor’s parents/guardians should be contacted. Typically, the Program Administrator will contact the parent/guardian first, and then arrange for the parent or guardian to talk to the minor directly if possible.

Medical Emergency Procedures

1. In case of an injured person, immediately call 911. Calmly state:

• Name of caller
• Name of injured
• Nature of injury
• Location of injured
• Phone number at the scene

2. Listen for instructions from the dispatcher.
3. Contact Maryville University Public Safety at (314) 529- 9500
4. Do not move an injured person unless their life will be in danger.
5. Administer first aid to the injured person. If possible, ask someone to find an individual who is trained in first aid.
6. Stay with the injured person until emergency medical service arrives.

Following a medical emergency, program staff should take the following steps within the 12 hours:

• Talk with all parties involved in the incident.
• Provide aid and comfort to other minor(s) as necessary.
• Contact relevant Departments within the University that could provide assistance or need information.
• Meet with program/activity administrators and staff regarding the incident.

Preparing for Emergencies:

Prepare for medical emergencies by considering the following tips:

• Think. First and foremost, remain calm. Take time and use whatever means necessary to ensure clear and accurate thought. It is important to stay composed and aware. This includes preplanning and knowing where lifesaving equipment is located prior to an emergency like AED’s and medical kits.
• Two heads are better than one. Never deal with an emergency situation by yourself if it can be avoided. When you are overwhelmed, you are less likely to think clearly and calmly. Call your Program Administrator for assistance.
• Use common sense. Use your own ability to act and react efficiently and responsibly. Do not short circuit or short change this; it is your greatest resource.
• Prioritize, compromise, and maximize. Prioritize the most important areas to be addressed. Decide what areas can be compromised in the immediate situation, so you can maximize attention to the higher priorities:
  • Medical, Physical (immediate danger)
  • Security (others involved, pending threat)
  • Emotional, Psychological (long-term effect)
  • Referral (proper notification)
  • Administrative (documentation)
• Follow-Up. The real work of any problem or emergency only begins with a specific incident. Be sure to record and report events. Ask your supervisor or Program Administrator if you have any questions.