Reporting and Responding to Incidents
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This section includes recommended steps to take in the event of a potential or actual emergency situation on campus. The emergencies listed here are a few examples of hazards that may affect Toronto and/or Mississauga. The University of Toronto is prepared to take an all-hazards approach to ensuring the safety of its students, faculty, staff, and visitors to campus.
What is an active attacker?
An active attacker may display a weapon or engage in threatening behaviour towards others. Though an active attacker situation is highly unlikely, students, faculty, staff, and visitors should be aware of what to do if it occurs.
Be aware of your surroundings
- Consider all potential exits to the room and building you are in
- Consider items that can be used as a door-stopper, such as a chair wedged under a doorknob, or a heavy piece of furniture that can block a door from opening
- Consider any items that could be used as makeshift weapons in the event that you need to defend yourself, such as scissors or a fire extinguisher
If an active attacker situation occurs, consider three possible options: Run, Hide, or Defend.
Run Exit the area as quickly and as safely as possible, and think about where you are going to go next. Do not focus on bringing belongings – just evacuate. Assist others if it is safe to do so. Call 911 once you are safe.
Hide If you are unable to leave, move to a room that can be secured. Lock all doors and windows. If there is no lock, try to secure entry points with a door stop, or block them with heavy furniture. Turn off all lights, silence mobile phones, and remain quiet until the police clear the scene. Try to place yourself out of sight – under a desk, in a closet, in a corner, or on the floor.
Defend Defend yourself as an absolute last resort. Attack with others if possible. Use makeshift weapons such as scissors, chairs, and fire extinguishers in an attempt to distract or disarm the attacker.
Do not move from your hiding space unless you are directed to do so by emergency response personnel, or if the area becomes unsafe. Keep your hands visible and empty. Provide first aid to those who may need it, if you are trained to do so.
If someone requires medical attention, be prepared to provide the following information when you call 911:
- Your location: An address, major intersection, and/or building name
- The phone number you are calling from
- A description of what happened
- Be prepared to remain on scene and to stay on the line with the EMS Operator, they can provide you with direction on how to assist the individual
It is important to note that Campus Police vehicles are equipped with first aid kits and Automated External Defibrillators. In the event of a medical emergency, contact them after you have called 911, or direct another person to call them while you call 911.
Medical emergencies require immediate interventions from professionals. Getting the right type of help promptly can save someone’s life.
What is a medical emergency?
Here are a few examples of medical emergencies:
- An altered level of consciousness (unconscious, drowsy, confused, lethargic, etc.)
- Breathing problems
- Burns or inhalation injuries
- Chest pain
- Choking
- Convulsions or seizures
- Diabetic issues
- Injuries to the neck or spine
- Overdoses
- Severe allergic reactions
- Uncontrolled bleeding
- Only approach a patient if you feel comfortable doing so
- Be aware of what environmental conditions may have caused the person to become ill – don’t become the second patient
- Look for Medical Alert bracelets on the patient’s wrist
- If there is someone else on scene with you, send them to meet the emergency responders in the lobby or main entrance of the building, or at a predetermined landmark nearby
This section includes definitions, recommended actions, and links to other University resources related to safety.