Emergency Response

At UMBC, ensuring the safety and well-being of our campus community is a shared responsibility. This section provides practical, easy-to-follow guidance on how to recognize and respond to common medical emergencies involving students, staff, and faculty with disabilities. These guidelines are intended for faculty, staff, students, and campus security. Prompt and informed action can make a life-saving difference. In addition to emergency medical response information, you will also find important mental health services, crisis support resources, healthcare referral options, and nearby medical facilities available to the UMBC community. Retriever Integrated Health (RIH)serves as the central hub for physical and mental healthcare, offering appointments, crisis support, and after-hours assistance. In the event of a life-threatening emergency, immediate action should be taken by contacting UMBC Police at 410-455-5555 if on campus, or dialing 911 if off campus.

 

Campus Emergencies

UMBC has an Emergency Response Plan that is shared via the UMBC Police website on its Emergency Preparedness page.  The Plan benefits from explaining more about Campus Evacuation Procedures for People with Disabilities, which is also linked on the Campus Police site for ease of access. The current plan is 69 pages in length.

 

Emergency Response Page Sections

This resource section includes guidance for:

  1. General Emergency Response Guidelines
  2. Asthma Attack
  3. Choking Hazards
  4. Diabetic Emergencies (Low or High Blood Sugar)
  5. Seizures
  6. Severe Allergic Reaction (Anaphylaxis)
  7. Stroke
  8. Sickle Cell Crisis/Acute Chest Syndrome
  9. Information on Local Hospitals and Urgent Care Centers
  10. Mental Health Crisis Resources
  11. Be Prepared: Creating Your Personal Emergency Plan
  12. 24/7 support services through 988 and 211 Maryland

 

Building-Specific Emergency Situation

Urgent and emergency situations can arise on campus when power outages, elevator outages or similar disruptions occur, which  may result in a person with a disability being temporarily stranded within a building.  With an elevator outage, the call button in the elevator notifies Campus Police, who arrive at the elevator as first responders, assess options for exiting the elevator and transporting the person toward departure, and notify Facilities Management/Work Control of the repair condition.

If an elevator or power outage results in someone with a disability being stranded on a floor, contact Campus Police via 410-455-5555 for assistance.  The responding officer will assess departure options with the person.  Campus police  partners with local fire and rescue departments for safely transporting people between floors. Often the safest option is working with their trained professionals and specialized equipment. EHS reports that the average response time for local fire and rescue departments is eight (8) minutes. Bystanders are strongly encouraged to contact campus police and defer to their communications with the person in need of transport as a matter of safety.  The choices made by the person with a disability should be respected by bystanders and allies, who may report the condition via the Accessibility Concern page, after report an outage or repair condition to Facilities Management Work Control (410-455-2550).

If a person is unable to reach a campus location due the combination of an outage with their health limitations, they should call their destination or department via a campus or personal phone to make alternate arrangements.  Access is best addressed by relocating the destination, convening via phone/other available technology, as well as rescheduling.  Campus members are encouraged to consult with Accessibility and Disability Services regarding accessible options that resolve circumstances on a temporary or long-term basis.

 

  • Stay calm. Your ability to remain composed helps the individual in distress and others nearby.
  • Do NOT move the person.
  • Assess the scene. Make sure it is safe for both you and the individual.
  • Call 911 or Campus Emergency Services immediately. Know your campus emergency number or use 911.
  • Stay with the person. Do not leave them alone unless you are going to get help.
  • Do not administer medication unless trained or specifically instructed.
  • Look for a medical ID tag or emergency medical plan. Some students may have individualized emergency procedures on file with Student Disability Services.
  • Report the incident. After the emergency is resolved, notify SDS to ensure follow-up support.

 

Warning Signs:

  • Shortness of breath or wheezing
  • Tightness in the chest
  • Persistent coughing
  • Difficulty speaking

How to Respond:

  • Help the person sit upright. Do not have them lie down.
  • Encourage them to use their quick-relief inhaler if available.
  • Stay calm and keep them relaxed.
  • If there is no improvement within 5–15 minutes or they don’t have their inhaler, call 911.

More Info:

Quick Action Steps: 

  • Step 1: Call 9-1-1 Immediately
    • If someone is choking and cannot speak, cough, or breathe, call 9-1-1 right away.
    • If another person is present, one person should call while the other provides assistance.
  • Step 2: Give Back Blows
    Deliver up to 5 firm back blows between the person’s shoulder blades using the heel of your hand.
  • Step 3: Perform the Heimlich Maneuver (Abdominal Thrusts)
    • Stand behind the choking person.
    • Wrap your arms around their waist.
    • Make a fist just above the belly button and grasp it with your other hand.
    • Perform quick, upward thrusts to try to force the object out.
    • Repeat up to 5 times if necessary.
  • Step 4: Continue Alternating Back Blows and Abdominal Thrusts
    If the airway is still blocked, continue alternating 5 back blows and 5 abdominal thrusts until the object is expelled or emergency help arrives.

Special Instructions

  • For pregnant or larger-sized body persons: Use chest thrusts (place hands at the center of the chest, not the abdomen).
  • For infants under 12 months:
    • Hold the infant face down on your forearm, with their head lower than their body.
    • Deliver up to 5 firm but gentle back blows.
    • If the object is not expelled, turn the infant face up and give up to 5 chest thrusts using two fingers on the center of the chest.
    • Repeat as needed and call 9-1-1 if you haven’t already.

  • If you are choking and alone:

    • Perform abdominal thrusts on yourself using your fists.
    • You can also bend over a hard surface like a chair or countertop to generate the necessary pressure.

More Info: 

 

Although an ambulance is usually not needed for every loss of consciousness, seizure incident or insulin/medication reaction, University Police may determine that emergency personnel should be contacted to evaluate the individual’s condition and determine whether transport to a nearby hospital is appropriate. University Police are trained First Responders and work in partnership with 911 and nearby community emergency services to effectively respond to each situation. If a person experiences a loss of consciousness in a public place on campus (classroom, lab, dining facility, etc.) please dial 5-5555 from a campus phone or 410-455-5555 from a mobile or desk phone to summon emergency help and support. This should occur even if the person has made a request in advance to not call for help or to not be taken to the hospital in the event of a seizure or loss of consciousness. There is no practical way for a bystander to know if, or how quickly, a person will recover from that circumstance, if it is an event that the student/person would deem as being “typical” for them, or whether it is an unrelated new or worsening situation. When the person recovers consciousness, they will be able to explore their options, including the opportunity to decline transport or other medical services, and those wishes can be respected by faculty, staff, Police/EMS, or other bystanders, given the person’s lived experience with the underlying health condition at that time.

Low Blood Sugar (Hypoglycemia) – Signs:

  • Shakiness, confusion, dizziness
  • Pale skin, sweating
  • Sudden mood changes or drowsiness
  • Rapid heartbeat

High Blood Sugar (Hyperglycemia) – Signs:

  • Frequent urination
  • Extreme thirst
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Fruity-smelling breath
  • Labored breathing

How to Respond – Hypoglycemia:

  • If the person is conscious and coherent, offer 15g of a fast-acting carbohydrate (juice, glucose tablets, candy).
  • If symptoms don’t improve in 15 minutes, offer another 15g of carbs.
  • Call 911 if the person becomes unconscious or unable to swallow.

How to Respond – Hyperglycemia:

  • Encourage them to drink water if they’re alert.
  • Call 911 if symptoms worsen or if they are confused, vomiting, or unresponsive.

More info:

Although an ambulance is usually not needed for every loss of consciousness, seizure incident or insulin/medication reaction, University Police may determine that emergency personnel should be contacted to evaluate the individual’s condition and determine whether transport to a nearby hospital is appropriate. University Police are trained First Responders and work in partnership with 911 and nearby community emergency services to effectively respond to each situation. If a person experiences a loss of consciousness in a public place on campus (classroom, lab, dining facility, etc.) please dial 5-5555 from a campus phone or 410-455-5555 from a mobile or desk phone to summon emergency help and support. This should occur even if the person has made a request in advance to not call for help or to not be taken to the hospital in the event of a seizure or loss of consciousness. There is no practical way for a bystander to know if, or how quickly, a person will recover from that circumstance, if it is an event that the student/person would deem as being “typical” for them, or whether it is an unrelated new or worsening situation. When the person recovers consciousness, they will be able to explore their options, including the opportunity to decline transport or other medical services, and those wishes can be respected by faculty, staff, Police/EMS, or other bystanders, given the person’s lived experience with the underlying health condition at that time.

Do NOT:

  • Try to hold the person down.
  • Put anything in their mouth.
  • Give food or drink until they are fully alert.

Warning Signs:

  • Sudden collapse or falling to the ground
  • Uncontrollable muscle spasms or jerking
  • Blank staring or altered awareness
  • Confusion or fatigue after the event

How to Respond:

  • Gently help the person to the ground to prevent injury.
  • Turn them onto their side to help keep their airway clear.
  • Place a soft item (e.g., jacket) under their head.
  • Remove any glasses and move nearby objects to prevent injury.
  • Time the seizure. If it lasts longer than 5 minutes or they have another seizure immediately after, call 911.
  • Stay with the person until they are fully alert and oriented.

More Info:

 

Warning Signs:

  • Swelling of the lips, tongue, or throat
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Skin rash or hives
  • Dizziness or fainting
  • Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea

How to Respond:

  • Ask if they have an epinephrine auto-injector (e.g., EpiPen) and help them use it.
  • Call 911 immediately, even if they seem to recover.
  • Keep the person lying down with their legs raised unless they are vomiting or struggling to breathe.
  • If symptoms return, a second dose of epinephrine may be needed.

More Info: 

Warning Signs – Use the FAST Method:

  • Face: Is one side of the face drooping?
  • Arms: Can they raise both arms? Does one arm drift downward?
  • Speech: Is their speech slurred or strange?
  • Time: Time to call 911 immediately if any of these signs are present.

Additional Symptoms:

  • Sudden numbness or weakness, especially on one side of the body
  • Sudden confusion or trouble understanding speech
  • Sudden loss of vision, balance, or coordination

How to Respond:

  • Call 911 immediately—stroke treatment is time-sensitive.
  • Note the time symptoms began.
  • Keep the person calm and monitor their breathing.
  • Do not give them anything to eat or drink.

More Info:

Warning Signs – Sickle Cell Crisis Triggers:

  • Exposure to cold weather

  • Dehydration

  • Physical or emotional stress

  • Illness or infection

What Is Acute Chest Syndrome?

A potentially life-threatening complication of sickle cell disease involving infection and/or blocked blood flow in the lungs and chest. It may lead to:

  • Lung injury

  • Breathing difficulty

  • Low oxygen levels

  • Pain that spreads to other parts of the body

  • Increased risk of death

Emergency Symptoms to Watch For:

  • Sudden chest pain

  • Trouble breathing or shortness of breath

  • Fever or cough

  • Pain in arms, legs, back, or abdomen

  • Signs of infection

How to Respond:

  • Call 911 immediately if symptoms of acute chest syndrome are present.

  • Keep the person calm and in a position of comfort.

  • Do not let them get cold—cover them if needed.

  • Encourage fluids if they are alert and able to swallow.

  • Apply a warm compress to areas of pain.

  • Assist with prescribed medications (like pain relievers or inhalers), if needed and safe.

  • Continue to monitor for changes in breathing, pain, or alertness.

  • Give Reassurance: Let them know help is on the way and stay with them until EMS arrives.

More Info:

UMBC police (410-455-5555) can assist with arranging ambulance transport to the nearest hospital. This resource list has been developed by RIH ensuring that individuals and support teams are aware of and can connect with appropriate services efficiently. The list has been developed for your convenience and is not intended to be a complete list of facilities that provide services. The provision of this list does not constitute an endorsement by SDS or RIH. You are responsible for all charges for health care services received.

Mental-health crisis support and nurse consultation are available during the evenings and weekends when RIH is closed to help students with a psychological emergency, crisis, or medical concern, contact UMBC’s After-Hours Support Line via RIH: 410-455-2542.

Why It Matters – Be Prepared Before a Crisis:

Emergencies can happen unexpectedly—natural disasters, medical episodes, power outages, or personal safety threats. A personal emergency plan helps you stay calm, act quickly, and get help when you need it most.

Core Components:

  • Emergency Contacts: Keep a written and digital list of key contacts (family, doctor, campus security, etc.).

  • Medical Info: Include allergies, medications, diagnoses, and assistive device needs.

  • Go-Bag: Prepare a small bag with essentials—ID, medications, charger, flashlight, snacks, water, and a copy of your emergency plan.

  • Communication Plan: Have a backup method (texting, written notes, visual symbols) if verbal communication isn’t possible.

  • Location Plan: Know where to go in different emergencies (fire exit, severe weather shelter, health center, etc.).

How to Prepare:

  • Complete a personal emergency plan template (digital and printed).

  • Share your plan with a trusted friend, roommate, RA, or campus support staff.

  • Update your plan every semester or after major life or health changes.

More Info:

The United Way’s 211 Maryland provides people with referrals to health, crisis, and social services and helps with problem-solving. It is also a resource for government officials to make information available to Marylanders in the event of natural disasters or other crises. It is available to all Maryland residents, the United Way’s 211 Maryland is free, confidential, and multilingual, offering 24/7 guidance 365 days a year.This service is available by dialing 211 or visiting 211md.org

During business hours, Retriever Integrated Health/Counseling provides crisis walk-in services, both in-person and on the phone. When Retriever Integrated Health/Counseling is closed, 988 provides students with an opportunity to continue to receive on-demand support from trained mental health professionals. 

988 is staffed by trained counselors who are trained to provide support during times of mental health distress and to connect callers with resources that will provide stability and ongoing support. If you are experiencing a life-threatening crisis, dial 911 for life-saving care.