24/7 On Call Response
We operate on-call 24 hours a day / 7 days a week during the regular academic year with the exception of holidays and exam period. This means that at all times there are two uniformed and equipped Responders ready to respond to any medical emergency. Queen's First Aid is dispatched directly by the Queen's Emergency Report Center.
When Should I Call QFA instead of an Ambulance?
QFA is not meant to be a replacement for an Ambulance service - it is meant to compliment it. While there are many incidents that QFA responds to that do not require an Ambulance, there are many that do. As a result, it can sometimes prove difficult to determine which one should be called. A good rule of thumb is to always call QFA; we are already on campus, making our response time quick. If an Ambulance is required, we can start the treatment before it arrives. When calling the Emergency Report Centre (533-6111) to request QFA, you can also request an Ambulance to attend. If you require an Ambulance on campus, it is faster to call the ERC than it is to call 911 as the ERC will be able to pinpoint your location on campus and relay it to EMS. If you are unsure as to whether or not you need an ambulance, QFA can attend and determine if one is required.
Help Us Help You
Access: We do not have keys to access locked buildings after hours, so we need your help to get to you. Have someone (a co-worker, student) meet us at the front entrance. That way we can get to you as quickly as possible.
Safety: We need your help to make sure that the area remains safe. You can help us out by keeping an extra eye out for hazards, informing us of any problems, and helping keep the immediate area clear.
Confidentiality: All information provided to us by an injured/ill person (or their friends/family) is held completely confidential (including use of alcohol or drugs, medical conditions, etc.) We are legally obligated to keep this information confidential in the same way doctors, nurses, and paramedics are. Our primary concern is for the safety of the individual we are in the care of - not in getting them into trouble.
An Extra Hand: We can always use an extra hand - someone to meet the paramedics, someone to provide us with information, or even someone to assist us in some first aid. We appreciate you standing by to provide help at the request of the QFA Responders on scene.
What Skills Are QFA Responders Trained In?
Upon joining the team all members must possess current Standard First Aid and CPR Level "C". Every fall, members are required to complete the St. John Ambulance Advanced Medical First Reponder Level 1 Program (a 40 hour intesive training course.) This course includes not only standard first aid techniques (bandaging, splinting, burn care, environmental/medical conditions, etc.) but many advanced skills/techniques as well (advanced head/spine/pelvicl injury management, advanced airway management, AED, oxygen administration, advanced drug/alcohol training, etc.)
What Can't QFA Do?
1. We cannot provide medication (either over-the-counter or prescribed.) We can however give or assist you in taking medication which has been prescribed to you (i.e. asthma inhalers, EpiPen/ana-kits, etc.)
2. We cannot provide medical/first aid advice over the phone. If you'd like our help or opinion you need to request an on call response through the Emergency Report Centre. Or if you just need general medical advice either see a physician/nurse at Health Services (LaSalle Building) or call Telehealth Ontario (1-866-797-0000), a free, confidential telephone service you can call to get health advice or general health information from a Registered Nurse available 24/7 (run by the Ontario Ministry of Health.)
