NUMBER:	STAF 7.05
SECTION:	Division of Student and Alumni Services

SUBJECT:	Emergency Health Care and Emergency Transportation

LATEST REVISION:	November 5, 2003

DATE:		June 1, 1992 (revised)

Policy for:	Columbia Campus
Procedure for:	Columbia Campus
Autorized by:	Dennis A. Pruitt
Issued by:	Student Health Services
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Scope of Services 

Student Health Services provides primary care ambulatory health 
services, which includes the treatment of minor injuries and acute 
illness, during scheduled operating hours. The Health Center does 
not offer emergency services. No health care services, other than 
limited First Responder support during Fall and Spring semesters, 
are provided when Student Health Services facilities are closed. 

The University looks to Columbia community providers for emergency 
medical services. Emergency medical services are available from local 
hospital emergency rooms. The Richland County Emergency Medical 
Services can be called at any time to provide on-site treatment and 
transportation to treatment facilities in the event of serious injury 
or illness. 

Payment of Emergency Health Care Charges 

Students are responsible for payment of all charges for emergency 
transportation and medical treatment, to include transportation and 
treatment for injuries occurring on campus. Some reimbursement for 
out-of-pocket costs may be available through a supplemental accident 
and illness insurance plan that Student Health Services purchases for 
all students who pay the University Health Fee. See the Student Health 
Services website (www.sa.sc.edu/tshc/thomson.htm) for more information 
on this emergency insurance coverage. 

Students initially treated at Student  Health Services who must be
transferred to a local emergency room or specialty provider are 
responsible for payment of any Student Health Services charges. 

Emergency Procedures

As a general rule, the following applies in cases of injury or sudden 
illness occurring on campus when: 

The Student Health Center Is Open:
Patient is Conscious and Ambulatory - Escort the patient 
to the Health Center for evaluation, treatment, and possible 
transfer to community health care facilities. If escorting 
the patient to the Health Center seems risky, call the 
Campus Police Dispatcher at 911 and request assistance.
 
Patient is Unconscious or Non-Ambulatory - Call 911 and 
request Emergency Medical Services (EMS). Stay with the patient 
until assistance arrives.
 
The Student Health Center Is Closed:
Call 911 and request medical assistance. If the patient is 
located in a residence hall, notify the on-duty Resident Advisor 
(RA) or Residence Hall Director (RHD) of the situation.
Stay with the patient until assistance arrives.
 

The above recommended procedures should not be construed as 
prohibiting or otherwise limiting any student or other individual from 
directly contacting Emergency Medical Services (EMS) or other 
providers of choice when the student or other individual determines 
health care services are necessary or desirable. 
        
        
        

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