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The AIS Desk Staff LibGuide: Medical Emergencies

Medical Emergency Procedures

Procedures to Follow (according to UA Emergency Management)

  • Call 9-1-1
    • Depending on the seriousness of the injury or medical emergency, call 911 or refer the individual to Campus Health. If in doubt about the seriousness of the injury or medical emergency, call 911. Administer first aid within your individual capability.
  • Unless trained, do not render assistance above basic first aid.
    • Determine the welfare of the ill or injured person by asking, "Are you okay?" and "What is wrong?"
    • If the ill or injured person is unconscious, check pulse and breathing and perform CPR if necessary.
    • Control serious bleeding by direct pressure and elevation of the wound.
    • Keep the ill or injured person still and comfortable; have them lie down if necessary.
  • Do not attempt to move the injured person unless they are in immediate danger.
  • Clear the area of unnecessary people.
  • Have someone meet and escort the medical team to the victim.
  • Limit your communications with the ill or injured person to quiet reassurances.
  • After the person’s immediate needs have been met, remain to assist the investigating officer with pertinent information about the incident.
  • If the victim is an employee, notify their supervisor. 

Once the emergent situation has passed, follow UAL post-emergency response procedures. (See box below.)

Medical Resources at Main Library and WSEL

First Aid Kits

The millwork cabinets at each Ask Us desk in Main and the bottom lost and found cabinet in the WSEL Supervision Office contain basic First Aid kits.

These small kits include some gauze and larger bandages for bigger scrapes/minor cuts and should be reserved only for necessary self-triage – something to get the person home for proper care/supplies. Ointments and pills are not offered because they fall under medical advice and allergic reaction risk.

These first aid kits should not be loaned out to patrons. Staff should supervise the use of these kits for minor first aid at the desk.

AED Kits

AEDs provide voice instructions and visual prompts to the bystander who is providing aid, including how to attach the pads to a victim’s bare chest. The device analyzes the person’s heart activity to determine when and if an electric shock should be delivered.

AED kits can be found in the following locations at Main Library and WSEL:

  • Main 1st Floor: On the wall near the West Exit, near the Public Computers
  • Main 2nd Floor: On the wall near the water fountain in 2B.
  • WSEL 2nd Floor: On the wall near the water fountain by the men's restroom. 
  • WSEL 3rd Floor: On the wall near the central staircase across from the elevators.
When you respond to a cardiac arrest where an AED is available, remember these steps:
  1. Check for responsiveness—“Shake and shout” and rub the sternum (breast bone) hard with your knuckles.
  2. Call 911 and retrieve the AED, or ask someone else to.
  3. Perform fast, forceful chest compressions until the AED is activated. If the AED tells you to do so, press the button to deliver a shock.
  4. After the shock continue chest compressions (at a rate of 100 a minute) for two more minutes. Continue doing 200 chest compressions followed by the AED assessment until, the patient is revived or medical assistance arrives.

Watch this video on How to Use an AED from the Sarver Heart Center.

Stop the Bleed Kits

Stop the Bleed kits are located:
  • Main Library: On the 2nd floor by the AED machine and drinking fountains.
    • The kit at Main is locked. The key is #40 in the lockbox in ML-2 Reception Storage [B258].
  • WSEL: On the 2nd floor by the AED machine.

Post-Emergency Response

Post-Emergency Injury Procedures

What to do if a patron is injured at the Library:

If a patron is injured, email an incident report to FM work team leader Hayri within one work day.

  • Include the following information, providing as much detail as possible:
    • the identity of the injured 
    • time and date of the incident
    • location of the incident
    • and circumstances of the incident
  • The link to submit a Non-Employee Incident Report, and instructions for doing it, can be found on Incident Reporting Page at risk.arizona.edu. 
What to do if an employee is injured at the Library:

If a library employee is injured, the individual or their supervisor must complete an online Employee Injury Report within seven days. The link to submit a report and instructions can be found on the Incident Reporting Page at risk.arizona.edu. 

Report the incident to FM work team leader Hayri within one work day and provide a copy of the report.