Safety Policies and Procedures Manual

Responding to an Injury Incident

SPPM 2.20

For more information contact:
   Environmental Health and Safety
   509-335-3041
   WSU Police Department
   509-335-8548

1.0   Overview and Purpose

Prompt, effective response to an injury incident is critical to avoid causing additional injury and ensure appropriate medical care is provided as quickly as possible.  This policy outlines injury incident response procedures for notifying emergency medical services, rendering first aid, and transporting injured persons.

2.0   Applicability

This policy applies in the event of any injury that occurs on any WSU property or while WSU personnel are conducting University activities at a non-WSU location (such as field research, travel on University business, academic field trips, etc.).

3.0   Procedures

3.1   Determining Need for Emergency Medical Services

An ambulance may be required to:

  • Transport life support equipment and emergency medical personnel to an injured person.
  • Transport injured or ill persons to a care facility.

Note: An injured person does not incur an expense when emergency medical services are called. However, the injured person may incur an expense if they are treated or transported.

Upon notification or observation of an injured person, employees are to notify emergency medical services (EMS) by calling 911 under the following conditions:

  • When an injured person verbally or nonverbally requests that 911 be called.
  • When an injured person has a diminished level of responsiveness, including such events as seizure or loss of consciousness.
  • When a person suffers a head injury of any magnitude.
  • When there is any uncertainty regarding the appropriate course of action.
  • When emergency transport of an injured person appears necessary (see Section 4.0).
  • When a responding employee otherwise concludes it is necessary to call 911, regardless of the injured person’s preference.

3.2   Calling 911

  • Dial the emergency telephone number: 911.
  • Tell the emergency communications operator (ECO) the location of the injured person and the nature of the injury or event.
  • When the ECO has sufficient preliminary information, they may put the caller on hold while the ambulance or aid unit is dispatched.
  • Answer any questions asked by the ECO promptly and accurately.
  • Employees may provide first aid to the injured person to the level of their training or as instructed by the ECO.
  • Do not hang up the telephone until after the ECO hangs up.
  • If reasonable, send someone to meet the ambulance at the closest access point to the injured person.
    • This individual may assist the ambulance crew in getting to the injured person as soon as possible. They may be asked to help carry life-support equipment.

3.3   Minor Injuries

In cases where injury does not require medical attention or requires non-emergency medical attention, the injured person should contact their supervisor to report the injury in accordance with SPPM 2.24.

The injured person may contact their preferred medical provider when appropriate.

4.0   Requirements

4.1   Transporting Injured Persons

EMS transports the injured person to a hospital. If the person refuses transportation, EMS has the person sign a release of liability statement.

The injured person may transport themself to a medical facility if they are able to do so safely .

4.2   Employee Transporting an Injured

Under no circumstances may an individual acting on behalf of the University or using a University vehicle transport an injured person to medical services or any other destination (e.g., the injured person’s residence).

5.0   Resources

For further information, refer to:

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Revisions:  Sept. 2025 (Rev. 149); Jan. 2011 – new policy (Rev. 87)