Medical Emergencies
What to Do in an Emergency
- Call Public Safety and 911.
- If trained, provide appropriate first aid or CPR.
- Use AED if needed. Know AED locations in your building.
- Stay with individual(s) until medical assistance arrives.
Quick Tips for Various Medical Incidents
When someone needs immediate help:
- Call Public Safety and 911.
- Stay with the person until help arrives
- Do not move someone with a suspected head, neck, or spine injury
- If trained, provide first aid or CPR
Examples of a medical emergency:
- Severe bleeding
- Loss of consciousness
- Chest pain
- Trouble breathing
- Seizures
More Information and Resources:
Support is available. You are not alone.
Quick Tips
- If someone is in immediate danger, call Public Safety and 911
- Reach out early — Remember that you deserve support no matter how small the problem may seem
- Check in on friends
- Use your campus student health counseling center and crisis resources
Crisis Signs
- Talk of self-harm
- Withdrawal or extreme distress
- Sudden behavior changes
24/7 Support
Morningside/Manhattanville students:
Columbia Health Counseling and Psychological Services
212-854-2878
CUIMC students:
Student Health on Haven Counseling Services
212-305-3400 (after hours select option 7 for TELUS Health)
Faculty and staff:
Employee Assistance Program
1-844-636-1260
Available to all:
988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
988 - Call, text or chat to speak to a counselor.
Quick Tips
- Call Public Safety and 911 immediately if overdose is suspected
- Naloxone (Narcan) can reverse opioid overdoses – use as soon as possible
- Stay with the person until emergency responders arrive
- Never use substances alone
Signs of Overdose
- Slow or no breathing
- Discoloration of the lips and fingernails
- Snoring or gurgling sounds
- Unconscious or unresponsive
More Information and Resources:
To protect yourself and our community:
- Stay home if sick
- Wash hands regularly
- Follow university guidance during outbreaks
- Wear masks if recommended
Examples:
- Flu
- COVID-19
- Norovirus
- Measles
More Information and Resources:
- Health education or infectious disease support appointments, (Morningside/Manhattanville students)
- Guidance on Respiratory Illness – Columbia Health
- Student Health on Haven Medical Services (CUIMC students)
- Communicable Disease Information - NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Website
