Emergency Situations

Reporting A Concern

Call Campus Police at (412) 396-2677 or off campus 911 for an emergency or your department head or supervisor for any other concern.

Active Shooter

An AED (automated external defibrillator) is a portable electronic device that automatically diagnoses potentially life threatening irregular heartbeats (cardiac arrhythmias) and is able to treat them through defibrillation (electrical therapy which stops the arrhythmia, allowing the heart to reestablish an normal rhythm). An AED is used in conjunction with CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation).

The Department of Public Safety has five American Heart Association instructors who teach First Aid, AED and CPR.  

CPR/AED Basic Life Support certification courses being held at Public Safety for the Spring 2024 Semester are scheduled as follows:

Monday, February 5, 2024 – 6:30pm

Thursday, February 15, 2024 – 7:00pm

Thursday, March 14, 2024 – 7:00pm

Thursday, April 4, 2024 – 6:30pm

Monday, April 22, 2024 – 4:00pm

There is a $25 cash fee for all students (we have no way of accepting other forms of payment).

All classes will be held at the Public Safety Building, which is located at the corner of Stevenson Street and Gibbon.  We are located directly behind the City of Pittsburgh Firehouse located at Forbes Avenue and Stevenson Street.

There is no need to pre-register for these courses.

All dates and times are subject to change without notice.  We will reschedule any cancellations.

 Any questions related to CPR/AED instruction or if interested in attending or scheduling a group class, contact Lieutenant Michael Kiryk via%20email or at (412) 396-4935. 

Automatic External Defibrillator (AED) Locations on campus

Automatic External Defibrillator (AED) Program

 

Bomb threats should always be treated as though there actually is a bomb until all facts are evaluated and authorities can thoroughly search the area.

If You Receive a Bomb-threat Telephone Call

1. 1. Ask the caller key questions:
   • Where is the bomb?
   • When will it explode?
   • What does it look like?
   • What will cause it to explode?
   • Did you place the bomb?
   • Why did you place the bomb?
   • What is your name?
   • Are you an employee?
   • Where are you calling from?
2. Note any pertinent information such as background noises, gender of caller, voice pitches and patterns.
3. Call Campus Police at (412) 396-2677
4. Evacuate the building, doing a Two-Minute Scan.

Suspicious Objects and Packages

A suspicious object is defined as any object of unknown origin. It may be a backpack, briefcase, radio, shopping bag or book. A suspicious package or object may be suspected for any of several reasons:

• The package is labeled “bomb,” “danger,” “do not open,” etc.
• The package resembles a bomb.
• The package does not belong to the particular premises or is out of place.
• The origin of the package is questionable or cannot readily be determined.
• The physical characteristics of the package are suspicious in size, shape, weight or sound.

If a suspicious package or bomb is found, evacuate the area (See Evacuation Procedures). Do not handle it, move it, immerse it or cover it. You do not know how the device is fused. Do not take the time to try to barricade or “sandbag” a suspicious object.

If a suspicious object is found in a room in the building, leave the door open when you leave it to summon aid. (You want to create an escape route for expanding gases. You close doors in a fire evacuation; you open doors to ventilate in a bomb threat evacuation.)

Campus Notification

If a credible bomb threat exists, the University community will be notified by the DU Alert System and a mass e-mail.

Toxic chemical exposure with your skin

• Immediately flush the affected area with clean water.
• Remove contaminated clothing.
• Call Campus Police at (412) 396-2677
• Move to a safer area.

Chemical spill

For spills, releases or incidents requiring special training, procedures or equipment take these actions:

• Immediately evacuate the spill area.
• If building evacuation is required, pull the fire alarm.
• Call Campus Police at (412) 396-2677.
• Seal the area to prevent further contamination of others.
• Anyone who is contaminated by the spill should avoid contact with others as much as possible and remain in a safe area nearby for emergency treatment.
• Wash off contamination and begin any required first aid.
• Do not attempt to contain or clean up spills unless you are qualified to perform such work.
• Do not re-enter the area unless directed to by Campus Police.

Campus Notification

If there is a chemical spill, the University community will be notified by the DU Alert System and a mass e-mail.

If you discover smoke or fire

• If it is safe to do so, get everyone from immediate danger and close the door to the area to confine the smoke and fire.
• Pull the building fire alarm along your evacuation route.
• If the fire is small and you are properly trained, control the fire with available firefighting equipment.
• Before you go through a door to leave a room, feel the door with your hand. Do not open any door that feels hot.
• Do not return for personal belongings.
• If there is smoke, stay low.
• Use stairs to reach an exit floor. Do not use elevators.
• After you are out of danger, Call Campus Police at (412) 396-2677.
• When you are outside, check in with your floor marshal, supervisor or instructor so everyone can be accounted for.

If you catch on fire

• Do not run. Stop, drop and roll to put out the flames.
• If you are trapped, wedge wet towels or cloth along the bottom of doors to keep out smoke.
• Close as many doors as possible between you and the fire.
• Call Campus Police at (412) 396-2677 to report the fire and your location.
• If you are trapped and need fresh air break the window only as a last resort.

Response to fire alarms

• When an alarm sounds, leave the building immediately. Never assume it is a false alarm.
• Do not use elevators.
• Do not return for personal belongings.
• Help people who are unfamiliar with the building or people with disabilities escape the building.

In the event someone has a medical emergency:

• Remain calm
• Notify the Campus Police one of three ways:

1. Call Campus Police at (412) 396-2677
2. Use a Code Blue Telephone
3. Use a Duress Alarm

• Do not move the victim unless he or she is in danger.
• If you are trained to provide first aid, use pressure to stop bleeding and provide basic life support (CPR).
• Comfort the patient and assure him/her that medical assistance is on the way.
• Do not jeopardize your health or the health of the patient. Wait for professional help if you are not able to provide proper first aid safely.
• If you provide first aid, consider if immediate action is required to save a life and if you will put yourself in jeopardy if you do.
• Be aware of hazards associated with blood-borne pathogens. If you come in contact with suspected infectious material, wash the exposed area thoroughly with soap and water and seek medical attention.

The City of Pittsburgh has advanced life-support ambulances available 24 hours a day.

Patients are often taken to UPMC Mercy Hospital.

Dangerous weather can include:

• Thunderstorms
• Lightning
• Tornadoes
• Winter storms

Stay alert to weather conditions and Seek Shelter/Stay in Place if threatening weather approaches.

Weather advisories

• A watch means conditions are favorable for the development of severe weather. Monitor the situation closely if the weather deteriorates.
• A warning means severe weather has actually been observed and is imminent. Seek Shelter/Stay in Place immediately.

Weather warnings

The National Weather Service will issue weather warnings, for example, when a tornado is approaching the area. The campus community will be notified of the warning using the following methods:

• The Outside Warning System will sound a tone and a voice warning severe weather or a tornado is approaching and people should take shelter immediately.
• A DU Alert message will be sent to those who signed up for that service.

You should tune to local television or radio stations for the latest information about approaching severe weather.

Severe weather tips

• Have a good flashlight on hand.
• In a thunderstorm, a substantially constructed building offers the best protection.
• Stay away from telephones, electrical appliances and plumbing.
• If you hear thunder, you are close enough to the storm to be struck by lightning. Find safe shelter immediately.

Campus Delays or Closings

In the event of severe weather causing delays or closings, the University will communicate with you through DU Alert or by posting a message on the Duquesne University Weather/Emergency Hotline (412) 396-1700.

Duquesne University’s Public Safety and Environmental Health and Safety departments have worked together to bring a Stop the Bleed Program onto campus, providing Stop the Bleed kits and training to the University community.  Stop the Bleed is a national campaign that encourages bystanders to become trained, equipped, and empowered to help bleeding victims in an emergency before professionals arrive on scene. Knowing how to properly stop bleeding can save a life.  

Below is more information on the Stop the Bleed Kits and opportunities for training.  

Stop the Bleed Kits

Stop the Bleed kits are located in each AED cabinet across campus. Become familiar with the location of your nearest location(s) of these cabinets.  Most often they are in the lobby of the main entrance or highly traveled areas. Each kit contains a tourniquet, emergency bandage, two rolls of compressed gauze dressing, two pairs of latex-free gloves, trauma shears, and one permanent marker.

Training

Stop the Bleed training provides information about vital initial steps bystanders can take to stop uncontrolled bleeding in emergency situations.  Training is voluntary and can be completed in two steps: 

• Online Training – the Stop the Bleed Interactive Course is a 25-minute online lecture presentation.  This video discusses three methods of bleeding control using video demonstrations, interactive learning, and spontaneous quizzes.  The course is free and can be taken multiple times. 
• In-Person Training – hands-on Stop the Bleed techniques is offered through Public Safety.  Participants will learn proper bleeding control techniques using their hands, dressing, and tourniquets.  Online training should be completed prior to in-person training.  Contact Public Safety (412) 396-6002 to schedule a session.  

For additional information about Stop the Bleed kits and training, contact Public Safety (412) 396-6002 or Environmental Health and Safety (412)-396-4763. 

Additional resources:

• Stop the Bleed
• Minutes Matter – A UPMC Community Initiative 

In the event of a power failure

• If you are in a dark area, proceed cautiously to an area that has emergency lights.
• Assist others who may be unfamiliar with the building or the area.
• Turn off equipment such as computers and monitors to avoid potentially serious damage when the power is restored.
• If you are in an elevator, use the emergency button or telephone to alert Campus Police. DO NOT attempt to open the elevator car door or shake the car to move.

Gas leak or significant water leak

Do not attempt to correct the problem. Evacuate the area and Call Campus Police at (412) 396-2677.

If you are confronted by a threatening person

• Leave the area, if possible.
• Call Campus Police at (412) 396-2677.
• Try to stay a safe distance away.
• Try to calm the person.
• Try to get the attention of a co-worker who can call for help.
• Listen to the person and let him/her do most of the talking.
• Use delaying techniques to give the person time to calm down.
• Acknowledge the person's feelings.
• Be respectful and empowering.
• Be reassuring and point out choices other than violence.
• Don't belittle, criticize, agitate or argue with the person.
• Don't reject all of the person's demands from the start.
• Don't use body language or speech that challenges the person.
• Don't make sudden movements.
• Don't make false statements or promises.

If you are a victim or witness

• If the violence is life threatening, Call Campus Police at (412) 396-2677 and report your location, weapons involved, injuries and a description of the person making threats.
• If it is not life threatening, advise your supervisor or Human Resources.
• Try to move to a safe area.

Types of workplace violence

• Physical assault and/or threat.
• Stalking or continuous harassment that causes fear, worry or intimidation.
• Actions aimed at disrupting or sabotaging operations.
• Indirect threats, such as "I know where you live."

For more information, refer to the Active Shooter Checklist and The Administrative Policy No. 48: Workplace and Campus Violence and Weapons Policy.