Casualties

Injuries and death are traumatic, but procedures must be followed to protect and respect those affected.

Preserving the scene

If a severe injury or death has occurred at the University—or during an activity carried out by the University—it is of the utmost importance to ensure that the scene is preserved and that authorities are notified.

Staff

Upsetting as the situation may be, if you find yourself first on the scene, it's important to follow procedures.

Procedures

  1. Summon emergency services. 
    • Know your address. 
    • Call 111 and ask for the police and an ambulance, and give them the details they ask for. 
  2. Notify University Security on 0800 373 7550 (or 966 if on an internal University phone) in order to activate the Incident Management Team (IMT). 
  3. Maintain safety and group welfare.
    • Prevent the situation becoming worse and ensure that people do not place themselves where they can be harmed. 
    • Ensure witnesses to the event are properly supported until help arrives, and ask them to stay nearby. Their details will need to be collected so they can assist with an investigation. 
  4. Aid the casualty. 
    • If you are not first-aid trained, get help. 
    • If it is possible to give first aid, treat the casualty to the best of your ability. Find out more: First aid advice. 
  5. Control and preserve the scene. 
    • If the casualty dies, the scene must not be further disturbed.
    • All deaths must be referred to the coroner, so it is important that evidence is preserved for an enquiry. 
    • Protect the casualty's dignity. Cover them with a blanket or similar item. If you are in a room, close the door and don't allow onlookers to enter. 
  6. Preserve privacy. 
    • Remind witnesses that names must not be released to the public or to social media until the police have notified next of kin. 
    • Casualty information must be kept to those who need to know, such as the police, University Security, University Health and Safety, and members of the IMT/CMT.
  7. Obtain support and give evidence.
    The University will: 
    • Arrange counselling 
    • Ensure an investigation is carried out. Witnesses should expect to be contacted.

Dealing with trauma

Being exposed to trauma can be a life-changing event, and assistance can help prevent post-traumatic injury.

Find out how to get help: Dealing with trauma.

Related links