Medical Emergency Assistance Procedures

1. Medical Emergencies, General
Medical emergencies can include illnesses or injuries. In any medical emergency, please keep in mind the following:

• • Remain calm.
  • Call 911. Provide as much detail as possible to the dispatcher.
  • If qualified, and to the extent you are comfortable and capable, administer first aid. If you are not qualified, seek someone who is.
  • Do not move the person, except to prevent further injury.
  • If the person is conscious, request permission before rendering medical aid, including first aid.
  • Inquire about any current medical conditions and/or medications that would be helpful to relay to medical personnel.
  • If the person is unconscious, you may render reasonable and appropriate medical assistance without their permission.
  • Keep the area clear of people and vehicles.
  • Never transport the person to the hospital, they must go by ambulance, with a friend or family member.
  • Document in the public safety incident report, what occurred and if and how the person was transported to the hospital.

There is no penalty or punishment for contacting Public Safety for what you think is an emergency, even if it turns out not to be.

Michigan Law
You are not required to render medical aid. Generally, Michigan Good Samaritan laws may offer protection if the aid rendered is neither grossly negligent nor recklessly provided.

2. Injuries, Accidents
Follow guidelines in Medical Emergencies, General, herein. Then:

• • If the injury involves heavy bleeding, initiate “Stop the Bleed” procedures.
    • Tourniquets and compression gauze are located in the AED boxes on campus.
    • See the Stop the Bleed instructions at the end of this procedure. Training can be arranged by contacting your campus Public Safety office.
      
      
  • If the injury does not involve heavy bleeding, but there appears to be other serious injuries (e.g., broken bones, internal bleeding, twisted ankle, etc.), do not move the person unless it is necessary to remain safe from further injury.
    • Never move a person involved in an accident where head, neck, or spine injuries may have occurred, or if unconscious unless necessary to avoid further injury. If the person is wearing a helmet (e.g., bicycle or motorcycle riders), do not remove the helmet.
      
      
  • For accidents involving minor injuries, render aid to the extent you feel comfortable (see above) and wait with the individual until Public Safety arrives.

3. Injuries or Illnesses, Chemical Exposures
Follow guidelines in Medical Emergencies, General, herein. Then:

• • If the individual’s skin is exposed to a corrosive or injurious chemical, rinse the area with cool tap water for at least 15 minutes.
    • If the exposure is extensive, including the head or other body parts that cannot be rinsed in a sink, assist the individual to the nearest emergency shower.
    • The individual should remove all contaminated clothing.
    • The individual should be advised to seek medical attention if there is visible tissue damage, or if irritation develops and persists.
      
      
  • If the individual’s eyes are exposed to a corrosive or injurious chemical, immediately assist them to the nearest emergency eyewash and flush the eyes for at least 15 minutes.
    • If no emergency eyewash is readily available, use a saline rinse bottle while helping the individual to an emergency eyewash.
    • Rinse for at least 15 minutes, even if there is no apparent tissue damage or irritation. 
    • The individual should be instructed to hold his or her eyelids open, and to move their eyes up, down, and side to side while keeping the eyes in the flowing water.
    • The individual should be advised to seek medical attention, even if there is no visible tissue damage or irritation. 
      
      
  • If the individual inhales and is overexposed to airborne chemical gases, vapors, or aerosols, assist them to fresh air. 
    • If the individual loses consciousness, assist them to the ground/floor.
    • Roll unconscious persons onto their sides to prevent choking.
      
      
  • Chemical burns, irritation, or systemic effects can be delayed for hours.
  • Remain with the individual until Public Safety arrives.

4. Illnesses, Seizures
Follow guidelines in Medical Emergencies, General, herein. Then:

• • If able, help the individual to the ground before or during a seizure to reduce the risk of head injuries.
  • Move objects that might cause injury.
  • Do not attempt to restrain the individual or place objects in his or her mouth during a seizure.
  • Remain with the individual until Public Safety arrives.

5. Heart Attack/Chest Pains
Symptoms of a heart attack may include chest pain or discomfort; shortness of breath; pain or discomfort in the jaw, neck, back, arm, or shoulder; feeling nauseous, light-headed, or unusually tired.

If any of the above symptoms present themselves, immediately follow the guidelines in Medical Emergencies, General, herein. Then:

• • Have individual sit or lie down on the ground until Public Safety can take over.
  • Have someone retrieve the Automatic External Defibrillator (AED) and begin rapid defibrillation.
    • AEDs are positioned in cabinets in the hallways.
      
      
  • If the individual is, or becomes, unconscious while waiting for Public Safety, deploy the AED immediately (per American Red Cross):
    • Complete the CHECK (consciousness, pulse, etc.) and CALL (911) steps.
    • As soon as an AED is available, turn it on and follow the voice prompts.
    • Remove clothing and attach pads correctly.
    • Plug the pad connector cable into the AED, if necessary.
    • Prepare to let the AED analyze the heart's rhythm.
      
      
  • If the AED is unable to be deployed and if you are qualified, have been trained and feel comfortable begin Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR).
    • Continue CPR until relieved by Public Safety.

Michigan law specifies that individuals who, in good faith, voluntarily render cardiopulmonary resuscitation and/or emergency services using an automated external defibrillator (AED), will not be civilly liable for damages, if the aid rendered is neither grossly negligent, nor recklessly provided.

6. Allergies (Epi Pens)
Epi Pens - Epi Pens administer a dose of epinephrine to an individual with severe, potentially life threatening allergies. Epinephrine counteracts the body’s allergic responses.

Symptoms of anaphylaxis/severe allergic reactions

• • Skin reactions, including hives and itching and flushed or pale skin
  • Low blood pressure (hypotension)
  • Constriction of your airways and a swollen tongue or throat, which can cause wheezing and trouble breathing
  • A weak and rapid pulse
  • Nausea, vomiting or diarrhea
  • Dizziness or fainting

If an individual exhibit any of the above symptoms, you should:

• • Contact Public Safety at 911 to report the emergency.
  • If the individual is conscious and has an Epi Pen, provide the level of assistance you feel comfortable with. If the individual is able to respond to you, do not initiate any medical assistance without their permission, including the use of the Epi Pen.
  • If the individual is unconscious and has an Epi Pen, you can use the injector without their approval by following the instructions on the device, if you decide to do so.
  • Keep the area clear and the student or co-worker comfortable until emergency services arrive. If the individual is unconscious, roll them onto their side.

If an individual advises you that they have self-administered their Epi Pen, contact Public Safety to alert them of the medical situation. The epinephrine administered is not long-lasting and symptoms may reoccur over time.

If a student approaches an instructor, or an employee approaches a co-worker, and reveals that they have severe allergies:

• • Recommend to students that they should contact the campus ACCESS office for assistance.
  • If an accommodation is necessary to prevent exposure to allergens of concern for a student, ACCESS will work with instructors and other College resources to determine if an accommodation is reasonably feasible, and how best to implement the accommodation.
    • It will be the instructor’s job to implement the accommodation throughout the semester. If difficulties arise, contact the ACCESS office.
  • Accommodations for employees are coordinated through Human Resources (HR)

If a student advises an instructor, or an employee advises a co-worker, that they carry an Epi Pen in case of a severe allergic response, and requests that the instructor or co-worker administer the dose for them in the event of impending anaphylaxis (severe allergic reaction), the instructor or co-worker should decide what level of assistance they will provide prior to an emergency. Possible responses:

• • Advise the individual that you are willing to assist them in using the Epi Pen in the event of an emergency. You are not required to provide assistance, or
  • Advise the individual that you are not willing to assist them in using the Epi Pen, but that you will assist them if they are able to self-administer, and that you will contact Public Safety for professional medical assistance, or
  • Advise the individual that you are not willing to assist them directly, but will contact Public Safety for professional medical assistance.

The instructions for use of an Epi Pen may vary, depending upon manufacturer. So, if you intend to render aid in the event of an emergency, you should familiarize yourself with the manufacturer’s procedures prior to an emergency.

7. Diabetes, Hyperglycemia, Hypoglycemia (Insulin, Glucagon)
Insulin is one of the treatment methods to address Type I Diabetes (versus Type II). It is used to supplement or replace insulin produced by the individual’s body. The body uses insulin to regulate the transfer of sugar into the cells of the body from the blood.

Symptoms of Hyperglycemia:

• • Increased thirst
  • Headaches
  • Trouble concentrating
  • Blurred vision
  • Frequent urination 
  • Fatigue (weak, tired feeling)
  • Weight loss
  • Blood sugar more than 180 mg/dL

Individuals who use insulin may approach you for assistance testing their blood sugar and/or injecting insulin, especially if they become hyperglycemic (elevated blood sugar). In general, this will not be an emergency situation and you may provide the level of assistance you feel comfortable providing.

Symptoms of Hypoglycemia

• • Shakiness
  • Dizziness
  • Sweating
  • Hunger
  • Irritability or moodiness
  • Anxiety or nervousness
  • Headache

In the event that an individual becomes hypoglycemic (low blood sugar), they may need immediate assistance. Hypoglycemia can result in disorientation and/or loss of consciousness if not addressed properly. The typical treatment is to ingest something that contains large amounts of sugars, or even glucose tablets. In some cases, the individual may use a substance known as Glucagon, which is typically injected into the thigh, buttocks, or arm.

If an individual exhibit any of the above symptoms, you should:

• • Contact Public Safety at 911 to report the emergency.
  • If the individual is conscious and can address their concerns, provide the level of assistance you feel comfortable with. If the individual is able to respond to you, do not initiate any medical assistance without their permission.
  • If the individual has advised you that they may suffer from Hypoglycemia, and if the individual is unconscious and has a Glucagon kit, you can use the injector without their approval by following the instructions on the packaging, if you decide to do so.
  • Keep the area clear and the individual comfortable until emergency services arrive. If the individual is unconscious, roll them onto his or her side.

8. Opioids (Opioids/Fentanyl; Overdoses & Opioid Antagonists (Naloxone/Narcan)

What are opioids?
Opioids, sometimes called narcotics, are medications prescribed by doctors to treat persistent or severe pain.

What is fentanyl?
Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that is sometimes used for pain management in cancer treatments and other serious medical conditions. It is now being found in drugs including heroin, cocaine, counterfeit Xanax and ecstasy. Even a small amount of Fentanyl could cause an overdose.

Signs of an opioid/fentanyl overdose may include:

• • Falling asleep or loss of consciousness, limp body
  • Slow, shallow breathing; loss of breath
  • Choking, gurgling or vomiting
  • Awake, but unable to talk
  • Pale, blue, ashen, or cold skin

Contact Public Safety at 911 to report the emergency.

Opioid Antagonist
Naloxone (brand name Narcan) is a medicine used to rapidly reverse an opioid/fentanyl overdose, which can cause a person to stop breathing. Naloxone can quickly reverse this effect and help the person breath again. Naloxone can be given to a person through their nose (nasal spray), skin or muscle (injection).

How Do I Use Naloxone?
Naloxone works quickly (within five (5) minutes) and can last for approximately 30-90 minutes.

1. 1. Again, call 911 to report the emergency.
   2. If the individual tells you they have an opioid spray/injector and that they would like your assistance, advise them what level of assistance you are willing to provide. You are not required to aid.
   3. If the individual is conscious and can address their health concerns, provide whatever level of assistance you feel comfortable with. If the individual is responsive, do not initiate any medical assistance without their permission first.
   4. Advise the individual that you will contact Public Safety for professional medical assistance. OCC Public Safety also stocks Narcan.
   5. Try to keep the individual awake.
   6. Try to keep the area clear until emergency services arrive.
   7. If the individual is unconscious, roll the person onto their side, with their head supported.
   8. If the individual is unconscious and has an opioid antagonist (spray/injector), you may administer it following the directions on the package.

Michigan Law
Michigan law specifies that any individual who, in good faith believes that another individual is suffering the immediate effects of an opioid-related overdose and who administers an opioid antagonist to the other individual, will not be liable in a civil action for damages, if the administration of the opioid
antagonist is provided in good faith and in a manner that is neither reckless nor grossly negligent.

9. Illnesses, Non-Emergency
In some cases, no medical assistance is immediately necessary. For non-emergency illnesses, the College recommends the following:

If a person is obviously ill (e.g., profuse sweating, paleness, shivering, vomiting, etc.), request that they leave the room to arrange for transport home.
If the person is unable to arrange transport, contact Public Safety for assistance.

10. Disabilities, General
If a student tells an instructor that they have a disability and need accommodations during class, the instructor should advise the student to contact the campus ACCESS office. The student is not required to contact ACCESS, but any formal accommodation must be requested by the through the ACCESS office.

Depending upon the nature of the disability and the classes the student is attending, the ACCESS office will work with the instructor to develop reasonable accommodations. Instructors will be responsible for implementing reasonable and agreed upon accommodations. If the student is attending any lab classes (whether technology, science, or art), the ACCESS office will contact the Manager of Environmental Health and Safety / Risk Management to work with the instructor and the ACCESS office to assess the risk to the disabled student and the other students in the class so that the appropriate accommodations can be developed, if possible. Depending upon the nature of the disability, Public Safety may also be involved.

Similarly, employees requiring accommodations should contact Human Resources. HR will work with the appropriate departments to develop appropriate and reasonable accommodations, for qualified employees with a disability.

 

Change Log

• 02-28-2024  Adopted