Injury/Medical Issue Response Policy

Purpose:

A prompt, effective response to an injury or medical issue is critical to avoid causing additional injury and to ensure appropriate medical care, support, and follow-up are provided. This policy outlines what to do when an injury or medical issue occurs on University property or at a University-affiliated event.

Policy:

1. Life-threatening or Serious Injuries/Medical Issue – If an employee, student, or campus visitor incurs a serious or life-threatening injury/medical issue on campus or at a university-affiliated event, immediately call 911 and notify Campus Safety at 503-370-6911 in Salem, or 503-621-2061 in Portland. Calling 911 will dispatch EMTs to the scene for evaluation.
   1. If the injured person is conscious, they are in their right to refuse care or transport.
   2. If the injured person is on university property, Campus Safety will assist emergency personnel, dispatch an officer to the scene, secure the area, and restrict access as needed.
   3. Campus Safety will notify University officials, who will implement emergency response protocols as appropriate.
2. Minor Injuries/Medical Issue – In cases where the injury/medical issue does not require medical attention or only requires non-emergency medical attention, the person involved should still notify the responsible employee at the location where the medical issue occurred (i.e., supervisor, instructor, or event coordinator) to report the injury.
3. Transporting an Injured or Ill Person – Emergency Medical Services (911) should be contacted to transport individuals with serious injuries or illness to a hospital or other medical facility. If EMS or an ambulance transport is not warranted or accepted, the injured person may choose to transport themselves or make other arrangements to be transported to a medical facility via a family member, friend, ride share, etc.
   1. Under no circumstances should an individual acting on behalf of the University or using a University vehicle transport an injured person or person experiencing a medical issue to medical services or other destinations (i.e., hospital, urgent care, the injured/ill person’s home). Campus Safety officers are also not eligible to transport injured or ill students to medical treatment.
   2. Typically, the University is not responsible for costs incurred through emergency transportation; such costs are the injured person's responsibility.
4. Medical Treatment
   1. Employees – Employees can seek medical treatment with a health care provider of their choice. Employees should notify their supervisor if this is needed during working hours. Detailed information on workers’ compensation benefits for work-related injuries is available on the Human Resources website.
   2. Students – If the injury/medical issue does not occur while working, Salem students can seek treatment for minor issues at the Bishop Wellness Center. If the injury/medical issue occurs at a Portland campus, students can seek treatment at a nearby emergency care facility or a health care provider of their choice. If the student is an employee and the injury/illness occurred while performing their employment duties, the student should contact an alternative health care provider of their choice, as they are not eligible for treatment at Bishop Wellness Center under workers’ compensation claims.
5. Reporting – University employees (including student employees) should promptly report all work-related injuries and medical issues to their immediate supervisor within 24 hours. Supervisors of University departments, classroom instructors, and coordinators of University-sponsored activities are responsible for reporting all injuries and medical issues incurred by individuals they oversee at the time of the injury or medical issue.
   1. If the injured/ill person is a student, a CARE report should be completed. If the injured/ill person is an employee or a visitor, an incident report should be completed. This reporting ensures that the relevant offices are notified and that the injured/ill person receives appropriate follow-up information and support.
   2. Detailed information on workers’ compensation benefits for work-related injuries is available on the Human Resources website.
6. Notification – If the need arises, notification of a seriously injured or ill person’s emergency contact will be coordinated by Human Resources for employees and by the Office of Student Affairs for students. Information concerning any individual or major incident on campus should only be shared internally, as outlined by FERPA, and with outside agencies by the VP for University Communications.

Effective Date: January 26, 2026
Responsible Person/Primary Contact: VP for Student Affairs
Responsible University Office: Student Affairs