Accidents and Emergencies
At some time in our lives we are likely to have, or know someone who has experienced an emergency situation and/or an accident. This section explains what to do if you have an emergency situation/accident, who to call and practical advice on how to cope.
Accidents
If you find yourself in the middle of an emergency, your common sense and instincts will usually tell you what to do. If someone is injured, the following steps will keep them as safe as possible until professional help arrives.
- If people are injured call the ambulance quickly on 999 – if possible, explain what has happened.
- If the person is unconscious with no obvious sign of life, give them mouth to mouth resuscitation while you wait for emergency services (see below).
- Do not put yourself or others in danger.
- To control bleeding, apply pressure to the wound and raise above the level of the heart.
- For burns, cool with water for at least 10 minutes, if possible wrap the affected area in cling film, never apply a dressing or any other material.
- Always follow the advice of the emergency services.
- Try to remain calm and think before acting, and try to reassure others.
- Check for injuries – remember to help yourself before attempting to help others.
- Do not try and move the person if you suspect that bones are broken – especially the back.
- If you are absolutely sure that no bones are broken, carefully move the person into the recovery position - ensure there is nothing blocking the person’s airwaves if they are unconscious (see below).
- If the person is able to move and you have access to transport, drive them to Accident and Emergency.
Basic first aid
St John Ambulance believes that everyone should learn at least the basic First Aid techniques. You may need to use them at any time at home, at university, at work, or even while you are travelling. Knowing what to do can make the difference to a person's recovery, and you could even save a life.1
The Students’ Union also run basic first aid courses as part of the Give it a Go programme. They also run more intensive courses for Society Committee members.
Knowing what to do in an emergency is vitally important. Consider getting some First Aid training and a First Aid kit, and familiarise yourself with how to deal with some of the more common emergency situations (see St John’s Ambulance link)
In an emergency
When you dial 999 the first person you speak to is a telephone operator who will ask which emergency service you require. You will then hear the telephone number you are calling from being repeated. You will then be asked the address or location of the incident.
Tell the operator:
- The name and number of the house or building, if it is relevant the road or street name.
- The village or town.
- Why you require the emergency services.
- Listen to what you are being asked or told.
- Do not panic.
- Never make a hoax 999 call, the telephone number can be traced and you will be found out.
Dealing with a fire
Five minutes spent reading the information on the Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service website could make the difference between life and death. No-one likes to think about fire, but it could happen to you. Spend a little time planning and should fire strike in your home both you and your family/flat mates will be better equipped to escape safely and quickly.
Fire safety
The Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service offers tips on improving fire safety, from chip pan fires to chemical fires. If you cannot find the information you require, you can contact them direct.
Accidents on campus
If you have an accident at University, regardless of how small, it is important that you let your School Office know. If you have an accident in Halls you should let your House Manager know. The University Security Office is the control centre for all emergencies on campus.
In an emergency ring Security on 0191 227 3200 or extension 3200. If the number is engaged keep holding, your call will intrude after 6 seconds.
Accidents on the road
If you witness an accident or are involved in an accident where someone is hurt - it is important to:
- Contact the POLICE/FIRE or AMBULANCE on 999
Emergencies in the home
Gas leaks
If you can smell gas, think you have a gas leak, or are worried about carbon monoxide fumes in your home, call the National Grid's gas emergency service on 0800 111 999.
If you smell gas or suspect a gas leak, follow these steps:
- Don't turn electrical items on or off.
- Don't switch lights on and off.
- Don't smoke or strike matches.
- Do turn off the gas supply.
- Do put out any naked flames.
- Do open doors and windows to ventilate the area.
- Do keep people away from the affected area.
Water & electricity
Problems with water
If you unexpectedly lose your water supply always check the following:
- Has your neighbour lost their water supply?
- Has your stopcock been turned off accidentally?
If you are still not able to get water after checking the above, contact Northumbrian Water on 0845 717 1100.
Problems with electricity
If you unexpectedly lose your electricity supply always check the following:
- Check your fuses are ok.
- If you have a meter, check it hasn't run out of tokens.
- Check to see if your neighbours have lost their supply. If they haven't, check your trip switch, if you have one. If it has operated, switch off all appliances and reset the trip.
If you are still unable to get power after checking the above, contact your electricity supplier - their number will be on your last bill.
Useful numbers
National Grid (gas emergency service) - 0800 111 999
British Gas - 0845 600 6113
Electricity (NEDL) - 0800 66 88 77
Emergency Services - 999
N Power - 0845 602 6363
Northumbria Water - 0845 717 1100
Northumbria Police (Newcastle) - 0191 214 6555
NHS Direct - 0845 4647
24 hour Accident and Emergencies (Newcastle General Hospital) - 0191 233 6161
University Security (Emergencies Only) - 0191 227 3200
Contacts
University Security Office
College House
Northumberland Road
City Campus
Tel: 0191 227 3999 (non-emergencies)
0191 227 3200 (emergencies)
