Medical Emergency
Due to the variety of medical emergencies that can occur, specialty response outside of the capabilities of the Department of Public Safety may be required. When the Department of Public Safety becomes aware of an emergency requiring medical attention, the appropriate agency or department will be dispatched to the location.
All Medical Emergencies
- Report all medical emergencies to the Department of Public Safety at (208) 282-2515.
- Only provide first aid to the level at which you are trained to do so, after obtaining consent from the person.
Examples include: altered mental status, unconsciousness, difficulty breathing, chest pain or discomfort, inability to move, potential head, neck, or spinal injuries, large broken bones, uncontrollable bleeding, stroke, etc.
- Call 911 immediately.
- Do not move the victim.
- Send someone else to meet first responders and remain with the patient until Emergency Medical Services arrive.
- Provide First Aid to the level at which you are trained to do so, after obtaining consent from the person.
- Provide First Aid to the level to which you are trained to do so, after obtaining consent from the person.
- Notify the Department of Public Safety, appropriate department head, or medical professional.
- Determination for appropriate course of action (i.e. treatment on site, transport to a medical facility, etc.) should be made by the individual receiving care.
Note: Occasionally accidents will occur where individuals, including the accident victim, will assume no injury has occurred and that medical attention is not required. However, symptoms may become evident later, and an accident report (as applicable) should be filled out as soon as possible.
Naloxone, often referred to by the name-brand Narcan, is a safe medication that can save someone’s life by reversing the effects of an opioid overdose. It only works on opioids, such as heroin, prescription painkillers, and fentanyl, but it is safe to use even if opioids are not present. This means that the medication used in Narcan won't harm someone if they are overdosing on drugs other than opioids.
Narcan is carried by all Public Safety Officers and stored in a red box next to most campus Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs). The Narcan we use is a prefilled nasal spray that allows for easy administration.
If you suspect someone has overdosed:
- Remain calm and call 911, or the Department of Public Safety (208) 282-2515.
- Provide the physical address of your building and location inside the building.
- If Narcan is available and you are comfortable using it, use the nasal spray to administer one dose.
- Stay with the victim until emergency help arrives.
Looking for more resources?
- The Center for Disease Control is a great resource to learn more about Lifesaving Naloxone.
- Quick Start Guide for Opioid Overdose Response Instructions
- How to Use Naloxone Nasal Spray
If you suspect poisoning and the person has NOT stopped breathing, collapsed, or had seizure, contact the Regional Poison Control Center.
- Do not wait for the victim to look or feel sick.
- Do not treat the person yourself (especially, DO NOT treat with ipecac syrup, milk, or try and make the person throw up)
- Contact the Regional Poison Control Center: 800-222-1222
What is an AED?
An AED is used to help those experiencing sudden cardiac arrest. This medical device can analyze the heart’s rhythm and, if necessary, deliver an electrical shock to help restore normal heart rhythm. This means that if an electric shock is not necessary, the machine will not administer a shock.
ISU Public Safety Officers travel with an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) to all medical incidents.
Some buildings have special emergency boxes for an AED. These boxes are equipped with an audible alarm and will activate if the door is opened. A special key is required to silence the alarms.
- The AED will provide a step-by-step guide using voice prompts. This helps ensure the pads are secured tightly and the safety of the individual assisting is maintained. Watch the demonstration video to learn more.
- Training is available through American Red Cross, or can be requested by contacting Public Safety at pubsafe@isu.edu.
- Notify Public Safety immediately in the event of a medical emergency requiring the use of the AED.
How do I locate the AEDs on campus?
AED location information is available on our campus map. For the Pocatello campus, click the arrow next to Campus Safety, then check the box for AED locations. For Idaho Falls and Meridian, use the drop down arrow in the top left side of the screen to select the campus, then click the arrow next to Safety and Amenities, and lastly check the box for AED locations. The links below complete these steps for you.
PUBLIC SAFETY pubsafe@isu.edu (208) 282-2515 625 E Humbolt St Pocatello, ID, 83209
