Emergencies, Fire and First Aid

Emergencies, Fire and First Aid

What is my first point of contact in an emergency?

• In a significant emergency requiring the emergency services (ambulance, fire brigade, gardaí) phone 112/999 and specify the service(s) you require. 
• In a first aid or medical emergency contact the nearest First Aid Responder in the interim.  
  You should also contact University of Galway Security at ext. 3333 for additional assistance. 
• For Buildings related emergencies you should contact ext. 2134 during office hours 
  or phone ext. 3333 out of hours.

Ensure you do not put yourself at risk and be prepared to respond before an emergency arises.      

What emergency and first aid procedures are there in University of Galway?

Instructions on what to do in the event of a fire, emergency telephone numbers and accident reporting steps are available here - Emergency Information. 

What is an AED?

AED stands for Automated External Defibrillator or, simply, a defibrillator. AEDs are portable electronic devices that are increasingly displayed prominently in public places. When somebody has a suspected cardiac arrest, an AED will automatically check to see whether the patient needs defibrillation, that is, electrical therapy to re-establish the heart's correct rhythm. The use of AEDs usually forms part of a first aid course.

Where are AEDs located?

An Automated External Defibrillator (AED) is used to treat victims of sudden cardiac arrest.  Currently the survival rate for sudden cardiac conditions is very poor, typically 1% but if an AED is used promptly, the victims chances of survival can increase significantly, e.g. if an AED is used within five minutes the victim has a 50% chance of survival.

There are 20 AEDs on campus. AEDs are also in place in Áras Shorcha Ní Ghuairim, Carna and Áras Uí Chadhain, An Cheathru Rua.  For locations please see our AED page.  This equipment is to be used by trained personnel only. 

AED Responders
There are over 200 staff in University of Galway trained to use AEDs.  This includes all Occupational First Aiders and staff in the Student Health Unit and the School of Nursing and Midwifery.    

Other Personnel
Heads of Units must ensure that adequate local arrangements are in place to ensure a prompt response to a cardiac emergency as part of their Occupational First Aid arrangements.  A Local Cardiac Arrest Response Plan should be prepared.

All members of the University of Galway Community should familiarise themselves with:
- the locations of the AEDs and 
- who are the trained University of Galway personnel that should be contacted in the event of coming across an unconscious person.  
As a further measure a telephone is beside most AEDs, which can be used to get help or rung to get a by-stander to bring the AED to a casualty.  The relevant extensions are listed below.  Please print off the attached lists of AED trained personnel for the AED(s) nearest you to be ready in the event of a local emergency

Locations and further information:- 

AEDs are also on the University of Galway Park and Ride buses. 

Staff are reminded that they need to be aware of what to do in the event of any university first aid situations or emergencies:- 
*  Do you know the names and contact details of the nearest first aiders?  See list of Occupational First Aiders 
*  Do you know the names and contact details of the nearest AED Responders (See lists above). 
*  Do you know how to make an 999/112 emergency phone call - See Emergency Information and RED Card (PHECC).
*  A 999/112 call requesting a "cardiac ambulance" should be made where you come across any unconscious casualty. 

How can I find out who the First Aid Responders in my area are?

Details of First Aid Responders can be found on Safety Contact posters.  These should be complete by all Units and displayed in prominent locations through the buildings they occupy.  Please download a blank copy of the Safety Contact Poster here.  
You will find a full list of First Aid Responders here.

What should I know before I deal with an emergency?

You need to know the following before taking control of an emergency situation:

1. The main emergency numbers, including those on the Emergency Contact Numbers card; which are available here.
2. The location of the nearest telephone(s) and confirm that they are available for use, e.g. that the phone line is not barred;
3. The First Aid Responder(s) in your Unit and their contact phone number(s), available here.

In the case of a serious accident or other emergency, contact the emergency services directly by phoning 999/112. Take appropriate action to ensure the safety of casualties, and that the area is otherwise made safe.

What do I need to know when dealing with an emergency situation?

• Do not put yourself or others at risk. At all times the most important consideration is human safety.
• Familiarise yourself with fire emergency procedures, and other arrangements, in advance.
• Act responsibly and methodically, with due care for your safety and the safety of others.
• The senior member of staff must take local control of the situation, ensuring the safe evacuation of all persons present and be prepared to warn the emergency services of any known special hazards.
• After any incident or injury, the event must be reported to the Health and Safety Office using the correct University Report Form. This is required for preventive purposes and in certain cases is also a legal requirement.

What details should I give when telephoning for assistance in an emergency?

Dial 9-999/9-112 from any internal phone or 999/112 from a public phone or mobile phone – you will be connected to the emergency services directly.

Specify the service you require, i.e. ambulance, fire brigade, gardaí etc, and give the following details:

• the phone number from which you are calling;
• the type of emergency and assistance required;
• the location where assistance is required and directions to get there.

Do not hang up until you are satisfied that your message has been correctly received and that the emergency services have all the details they require. You should then:

• dial 3333 or 9-(091)-493333 for Security and request their assistance, including directing the emergency services to the required location (confirm building and exact room number);
• if possible, have someone wait at the entrance to the building to take the emergency personnel directly to the required location.

What do I do if I hear a fire alarm?

You need to respond in accordance with the University of Galway Instructions in the Event of Fire which can be found here.

Where the alarm is ringing continuously -

1. Evacuate the building by nearest exit.
2. Close all doors after you.
3. Do not use lifts and
4. Do not re-enter the building.

If it is an intermittent alarm – investigate the source of the alarm and be prepared to evacuate. Please take due regard of your own safety and the safety of others. Take time to be prepared before such an emergency occurs.