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First aid at UBC Vancouver

Compassionate, 24/7 First Aid and Medical Response

Community Safety’s Community Support and Patrol teams provide 24-hour first aid and medical response services across the UBC Vancouver campus.

Our approach is grounded in community safety, compassion, and trauma-informed care. We respond to medical and wellness incidents with a focus on support, dignity, and coordination with emergency services when required.

Community Safety First Aid is not a replacement for emergency medical services. In a life-threatening emergency, always call 9-1-1 first, then contact Community Safety.

For information about first aid on the UBC Okanagan campus, visit the UBC Okanagan website.

In an emergency

1. Call 9-1-1

2. Then call Community Safety:

Students and visitors: 604-822-2222 (Dial 22222 from a UBC landline)

Faculty, staff, and student-staff: 604-822-4444 (Dial 24444 from a UBC landline)

You may also use an Emergency Blue Phone located across campus.

If Community Safety arrives first, officers will provide immediate first aid and remain with the individual until BC Emergency Health Services (ambulance) or other responders arrive.

Our first aid response

Community Safety Officers are trained and certified in Intermediate First Aid and medical response protocols in accordance with WorkSafeBC requirements. At least one officer with Advanced First Aid is available at all times.

Our teams provide:

Immediate first aid care for injuries and sudden illness
Support during mental health and wellness-related incidents
Coordination with BC Ambulance Service, Fire, and Police when required
Guidance and scene support until emergency responders arrive
Clear documentation for workplace injury reporting and compliance

We approach every situation with empathy, professionalism, and respect.

Who to call for first aid

In a medical emergency or if the incident involves a crime in progress, call 9-1-1 first, then call Community Safety.

Students and visitors

Call 604-822-2222 (Dial 22222 from a UBC landline)

Faculty, staff, and student staff

Call 604-822-4444 (Dial 24444 from a UBC landline)

When you call, be prepared to provide:

Your name and phone number
Exact location (building and room number if possible)
Nature of the injury or illness

Community Safety will dispatch an officer and coordinate emergency services if necessary.

More information on injuries and first aid

Workplace injuries and WorkSafeBC

All work-related injuries must be reported through Community Safety to ensure proper documentation and compliance with WorkSafeBC requirements.

Not reporting through Community Safety may result in incomplete documentation for a WorkSafeBC claim.

While departments are no longer required to maintain designated Occupational First Aid attendants, it is recommended that basic first aid supplies remain available as part of departmental emergency preparedness planning.

For more information about workplace injury reporting, visit Safety & Risk Services.

Injury or illness on campus

Any injury or illness occurring on campus should be reported to Community Safety.

When calling, please provide:

Name and contact information
Faculty/department (if applicable)
Exact location
Description of the injury or illness

After reporting, stay in place or meet with the responding officers at the entrance of your building so officers can locate you quickly.

Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs)

Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) are located throughout the UBC Vancouver campus.

An AED is a portable device that analyzes heart rhythm and delivers a life-saving shock during sudden cardiac arrest when appropriate. The device will only deliver a shock if required.

AEDs are designed to be used by members of the public in an emergency. If possible:

Call 9-1-1
Send someone to retrieve the nearest AED
Begin CPR if trained

Community Safety officers carry medical equipment and will assist upon arrival.

Locate an AED on campus

Overdose Prevention and Naloxone

UBC’s Overdose Prevention & Response Program ensures that naloxone kits are available in publicly accessible buildings and residences across campus.

Naloxone is a medication that can temporarily reverse an opioid overdose. It is safe to use and will not harm someone if opioids are not present.

If you suspect an overdose:

Call 9-1-1 immediately
Administer naloxone if available
Contact Community Safety

Naloxone kits contain nasal doses and instructions for use. Learn more about the Overdose Prevention and Response Program

How you can help in a first aid situation

If you are present during a medical incident:

Call 9-1-1 if the situation is life-threatening
Contact Community Safety (604-822-2222)
Provide clear and accurate information
Help direct Officers to the exact location
Reassure the individual and maintain a calm environment

Your actions can make a meaningful difference while help is on the way.

Our commitment to community safety

UBC’s first aid response is part of a broader community support approach to campus safety. We are committed to:

Providing timely, compassionate care
Reducing barriers to seeking help
Responding with cultural awareness and trauma-informed practices
Working collaboratively with campus and external health partners

Our goal is to ensure that every member of the UBC community feels supported, respected, and safe.

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