Medical Emergencies, Minor Injuries/Illnesses

I. POLICY AND GENERAL STATEMENT

When a member of The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (“University”) community incurs, or encounters someone who has incurred, an injury or illness on University property, the incident should be handled expediently, efficiently and calmly. 

II. PROCEDURE

     A. Life-threatening or Major Injuries/Illnesses

If an employee, student, visitor or patient incurs an injury/illness that appears to be life-threatening, the person reporting the incident should immediately call 911 and provide the dispatcher with requested information.

Unless otherwise requested or indicated, the injured/ill person should be transported by ambulance to the appropriate health care facility.

          1. Employees or Students

If the injury or illness involves an employee or student, the immediate supervisor, class instructor or appropriate Student Affairs office must prepare a Supervisor’s First Report of Injury form, plus the Acknowledgement form, as soon as possible. Please note that, while emergency care for employees may be provided at an appropriate health care facility, all follow-up care for workplace-related injury/illness must be provided at a facility in the University's worker's compensation health care network.  See HOOP 100, Workers' Compensation Insurance and Temporary Modified Duty.

Students are not covered by the University’s Workers’ Compensation insurance. They should seek care through Student Health Services or their personal health care provider using their personal health insurance. 

          2. Visitors and Patients 

If the injury or illness involves a visitor or patient, the department supervisor, class instructor or clinic manager of the area in which the incident occurred should be informed of the incident immediately. The Visitor/Guest Incident Form should be completed as soon as possible. Visitors and patients are not covered by the University under any insurance, including, but not limited to, Worker’s Compensation or health insurance. Treatment should be sought from a health care provider of their choice.

     B. Minor Injuries/Illnesses

          1. Employees

If an employee incurs a work-related minor illness or injury, the injured/ill employee's supervisor must prepare a Supervisor’s First Report of Injury form, plus the Acknowledgment form. Supervisors must offer to contact an appropriate health care facility for an injured/ill employee. The employee has the right to refuse medical treatment. The employee’s refusal should be noted on the Supervisor’s First Report of Injury form by having the employee initial the line indicating refusal of treatment. If the health care provider is not a member of the University's workers’ compensation health care network, the employee may be responsible for the medical costs associated with the claim. A list of providers in the University's workers’ compensation health care network can be found on the network’s website. The injured/ill employee must take a copy of the Supervisor’s First Report of Injury form with them when visiting a health care provider.

In the event of a needlestick or other sharps injury, including those involving potential exposure to bloodborne pathogens, the employee should call the 24/7 Needle Stick Hotline (1-800-770-9206) provided by the UT Health Services clinic and speak directly to the health care provider on duty.

If an employee experiences symptoms of a non-work related injury or illness, the employee should contact their personal health care provider to obtain instructions on how to handle the situation. Due to privacy and other considerations, neither UT Health Services staff nor the employee's supervisor is allowed to contact an employee's personal health care provider directly. If the ill or injured employee has no personal health care provider, the employee may be directed to UT Health Services or to an emergency treatment center. For more detailed information regarding employee injuries/illnesses, refer to HOOP 100, Workers' Compensation Insurance.

          2. Students

If a student incurs a minor illness or injury, the supervisor/instructor of the area in which the incident occurred must be advised immediately. In the case of injury or illness related to the student’s participation in University activities, the Supervisor’s First Report of Injury form should be completed. Students are not covered under Worker’s Compensation insurance and should seek treatment from a health care provider of their choice. Students are encouraged to first seek an evaluation at Student Health Services, when possible. If the student chooses to seek medical attention through the University, the supervisor/instructor should contact Student Health Services to schedule an appointment for the injured student if the injury or illness is related to the student’s participation in University activities.

In the event of a needlestick or other sharps injury, including those involving potential exposure to bloodborne pathogens, the student should call the Student Health Services 24/7 Needlestick Hotline (713-500-OUCH(6824)) and speak directly to the healthcare provider on duty.

          3. Visitors or Patients 

If a visitor or patient incurs a minor injury or illness, the department supervisor, class instructor or clinic manager of the area in which the incident occurred should be informed immediately. The Visitor/Guest Incident Accident Investigation Form should be completed as soon as possible if the injury or illness is related to the visitor’s or guest’s participation in University activities. Visitors and patients are not covered under any University insurance including, but not limited to, Worker’s Compensation or health insurance.  Treatment should be sought from a health care provider of their choice.

III. CONTACTS

• • Safety, Health, Environment and Risk Management (Risk Management and Insurance Program)
  • 713-500-8100
  • https://www.uth.edu/safety/
• • The University of Texas Police at Houston
  • 911 (emergency) 713-792-2890 (non-emergency)
  • https://www.utph.org/

---