Medical Emergency
If the emergency is life-threatening, call 911.
Medical Emergency Heading link
In an emergency, use universal precautions (i.e., gloves and rescue masks).
DO NOT move the victim unless there is an immediate threat to life or danger of further injury. If alcohol poisoning is suspected, keep the person awake. For all other medical emergencies:
Call the UIC Police Department (UICPD) at (312) 355-5555 or 911 to request assistance. Provide the following information:
- Gender
- Approximate age
- Nature of injury or illness
- Pertinent medical history (if known)
- Precise location (building name/floor or room number)
- Render first aid if you are trained to do so.
- Remain with the individual until UICPD and the Chicago Fire Department (CFD) arrive.
- Providing assistance can mean anything from just waiting nearby to applying direct pressure to a wound, performing CPR, or splinting an injury. Never perform a medical procedure unless you have been properly trained, and it is an expectation of your job or position at UIC.
- You may be asked to administer CPR or the Heimlich Maneuver in cases of stopped breathing or choking.
Note: if people do not know how or do not want to perform mouth-to-mouth resuscitation on someone who has had cardiac arrest, the American Heart Association has endorsed “chest-compression only CPR.”
Recommendations from the American College of Emergency Physicians Heading link
The American College of Emergency Physicians recommends seeking immediate medical attention for the following symptoms:
- Trouble breathing or shortness of breath
- Pain or pressure in the chest or upper abdomen
- Abnormal pain in the abdomen
- Fainting or feeling dizzy or weak
- Visual irregularities
- Sudden or sharp pain
- Bleeding that won’t stop
- Severe or ongoing vomiting or diarrhea
- Coughing or vomiting blood
- Trouble speaking
- Confusion or altered mental state
- Feeling suicidal