Accident and emergencies

Sometimes accidents, near misses or injuries or incidents might happen while at university, here's what you need to do.

Dealing with an accident

First aid assistance

There are first-aiders in all university buildings. Look out for the green first aid signs. These list all the staff in the building that are qualified to give first aid treatment, and their extension numbers.

If you see a hazard or risk

Report it to a member of staff or campus security on extension 3333 or +44 (0)23 9284 3333.

Getting help from the NHS

Calling an ambulance

If you or someone else has a serious or life-threatening injury or condition on campus, call the Security Lodge for an ambulance on extension 3333 or +44 (0)23 9284 3333.

You'll be asked:

• The location, including the area or room in the building
• The phone number you are calling from
• What's happened?

The Security Lodge will call an ambulance and dispatch caretakers and security to assist and arrange access for the ambulance crew, and call you back to confirm that the ambulance is on its way.

You'll also be asked:

• Is there a first-aider in attendance?
• What's the patient’s age, gender and does he or she have relevant medical conditions?
• Is the patient conscious and breathing, and is there any serious bleeding or chest pain?
• Where is the injury and how did it happen? 

Hospitals in Portsmouth

If you need urgent medical treatment, the local hospital in Portsmouth is Queen Alexandra Hospital in the north of the city. There is an Emergency Department at Queen Alexandra Hospital

However you can also visit the Urgent Treatment Centre and Minor Injury Unit at St Mary's Treatment Centre, in Milton to the east of the University campus.

Urgent treatment centres and minor injuries units offer treatment, advice and information for a range of minor illnesses and injuries, including minor head and eye wounds, treating sprains, strains and breaks to arms, lower legs and feet. 

Keep the Emergency Department at Queen Alexandra Hospital free for those who really need it – those with life-threatening emergencies, such as loss of consciousness, persistent or severe chest pain, breathing difficulties or severe bleeding that cannot be stopped. 

If you’ve been in an accident or need a doctor but your injury isn’t life threatening, contact the on-campus first-aiders, your doctor (GP) or call 111 if your doctor's office is closed. 111 is a free service that allows you to speak to NHS staff. They will also be able to help you with which service is best for you.

How to report a crime or security incident

Please contact Campus Security if you're the victim of, or witness, a crime or security incident on campus.

Reports of all incidents of crime or suspect persons in buildings to the Security Control Room as soon as possible. The Control Room Operator will want to know:

• Location of incident
• Brief description of incident
• Description of offender
• Time of incident
• Names of persons involved

Security staff will take down a report of crime, but it's also important that the incident is reported to the police. This is necessary for insurance purposes.

Crime reporting essentials:

Reporting sexual violence

For specialist and confidential medical support and advice after a sexual assault the best place to go is the Treetops Centre, Portsmouth’s Sexual Assault Referral Centre. Phone the 24/7 helpline on +44 (0)300 123 6616.

Further support

Emergency support from the police and NHS medical services is free and available to anyone. However, in order to access ongoing treatment and medical support you need to be registered with a local NHS doctor.

If you have experienced or witnessed a serious incident then there is plenty of further support from the University. Check the Health and Wellbeing section for information about how to register with a local doctor and what further support you can access from the Student Wellbeing Service and other support services.