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Emergency, Injury, or Sickness

Emergency?

A “medical emergency” is an unforeseen or sudden bodily event that requires immediate medical attention to avert risk to a person’s life or long term health.

  1. In case of a medical emergency: dial 9-1-1
  2. Do not drive yourself to a hospital emergency room.
    • If you are having a real emergency, this is very dangerous.
    • If you can drive yourself to a hospital, walk-in and fill out forms, then you might be viewed as a non-emergency and could end up waiting much longer for treatment. If you arrive by ambulance, you will receive immediate treatment on the way to the hospital and have priority for continuous care once there.
  3. Information to provide the 9-1-1 operator:
    • Location (address, intersection, highway, room number, building, floor ...)
    • Nature of the emergency (what happened)
    • Symptoms
    • Name (say and spell), Age, Gender
    • Medications you are taking
    • Allergies
  4. Try to remain calm and still until an ambulance arrives.
  5. Have someone collect your:
    • ID
    • Passport
    • Wallet / Keys / Insurance information / Change of clothes if needed / Phone
    • Contact Campus Security at 678-466-4050, and ISS at 678-466-5499 (office) 

Minor or Major Injury or Sickness?

A minor condition is one that is not life-threatening. Examples: sore throat, slight fever, seasonal allergies, minor aches and pains, infections, colds, flu, sprains, cuts

A major condition is one that requires the attention of a doctor or specialized care.

*Also note that in the U.S., medical centers refer to hospitals, which offer comprehensive services. However, a medical clinic is not a hospital (see below); it is a small facility designed to treat routine, minor conditions or refer you to a doctor.

  • For major situations, you should refer to your international health insurance for a primary physician that is covered under your health insurance plan.