Emergency Care
In the event of any injury or illness where medical assistance is needed, and for all life-threatening emergencies, immediately call 911.
Blood and Bodily Fluid Exposures/Infectious Agent Exposures
If you are exposed to an infectious agent by a needlestick or non-human primate bite it is necessary to seek medical counsel immediately. For some high-risk exposures, the CDC recommends prophylactic drug treatment be initiated within 1 to 2 hours of the exposure. Directions for obtaining medical counsel are maintained by HSRM Occupational Health.
Non-Emergency Care
University employees may choose to go to the nearest Emergency Department or a medical provider of their own choice, but we do recommend the Occupational Health Providers listed on the HRSM Occupational Health Clinical Services webpage. Follow-up must be done by an Occupational and Environmental Medicine physician. Students are encouraged to go to Boynton Health Service during business hours or their personal care providers.
Burns
- For severe burns call 911 immediately and do not attempt to remove charred clothing
- For minor burns, soak in cold water until the pain stops
- Do not break any blisters
- Wrap the burned area to protect from infection
- Seek medical attention if necessary
Cryogenic Burns/Frostbite
- Remove any clothing that is not frozen to the skin
- Do not rub the affected tissues
- Re-warm the affected area as quickly as possible by immersing it in warm, but not hot, water (not above 40 °C)
- Do not apply heat lamps
- Do not break any blisters
- Seek medical attention
- See the Cryogens Fact Sheet for further information
Cuts
- Wear gloves when treating someone with a puncture wound or cut
- Cleanse the wound with soap and water, then pat with clean towel to dry
- Apply antibiotic ointment to the wound and bandage to prevent contamination
- Seek medical attention if necessary