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There is a medical emergency – what do I do?
- Remain calm. Take time to think before acting.
- Keep the person calm.
- Call for help – UCT's Campus Protection Services (CPS) on 080 650 2222 (toll-free).
- Stay on the phone until the person answering the call ends the call.
If you are with a person in a medical emergency:
- If the person is vomiting, keep them on their side.
- If the person is injured, don’t move the person unless absolutely necessary.
- If the person is bleeding, staunch the bleeding and, if necessary, tie a tourniquet.
- If there is swelling, apply an ice pack.
If you are with a person in a mental health emergency:
- Follow the steps listed in the Psychiatric Emergency flowchart.
See our Emergencies page for further details. -
What is a mental health emergency?
- Suicidal or homicidal thoughts with intentions and/or plan;
- Recent trauma, such as sexual assault or physical abuse;
- Death of a loved one or close friend;
- Psychosis, characterised by disorientation, disorganized speech, unusual thoughts, active visual or auditory hallucinations;
- Impulsive, violent/dangerous behaviour or writing.