What to do in an emergency situation.

Life-Threatening Conditions

If you are not sure whether or not you should go to the Emergency Department, call the Student Health Center at (206) 296-6300. When there is serious injury or other clear threat to life, to obtain paramedic and ambulance assistance right away:

• Call 9-911 on campus
• Call 911 off campus
• Be prepared to say exactly where you are, and what is wrong

Examples of life-threatening conditions include:

• Difficulty breathing
• Major injury (e.g., open chest wound with trouble breathing; spinal or neck injury with loss of sensation or motion; obvious fracture, especially with visible bone)

Unconsciousness or unresponsiveness (e.g., drug or alcohol overdose)

Urgent Conditions

Although the conditions below may not be life threatening, get a medical evaluation as soon as possible if you have these:

• Significant pain (e.g. in the chest, abdomen, head, neck, or ear, especially with fever)
• Asthma (when not responding to usual medication)
• Urinary infection (especially with fever or back pain)
• Possible fracture or dislocation
• Any injury with significant pain or swelling
• Laceration (a cut requiring stitches)
• Major bee sting reaction (hives or swelling on, for example, your whole arm or leg)

Where to Go

• When the Student Health Center is open, go there. Call ahead to let us know you're coming. Call (206) 296-6300
• When the Student Health Center is closed, you can go to the Swedish Main Campus, Swedish Cherry Hill Campus, or Harborview Medical Center Emergency Department (See listings below).

Remember, Seattle University Student Health Center does not cover visits to the emergency department; they are billed to your insurance.

What to Do

• As soon as you arrive, say why you think it's urgent
• State the main problem first
• Report any past experience with the problem
• Bring any medications you have had for the problem

Emergencies

Non-Urgent Problems

For non-urgent medical problems, make an appointment to be seen at the Student Health Center. Call (206) 296-6300. Self care may be effective, so you may want to try some of these links:

• American College Health Association
• National Library of Medicine
• Health Information from the American Academy of Family Physicians
  
  

Local Hospital ER Listing

Swedish Chery Hill Campus Emergency Department

320-2111


Swedish Main Campus Emergency Department

386-2573


Harborview Emergency Department

731-3074