Managing your Health Condition at the University of Gloucestershire 

Introduction 

The University of Gloucestershire is committed to ensuring that we provide a safe and inclusive environment for all students. This includes students who may have a medical condition where first aid support or additional medical assistance is required. 

This guidance leaflet sets out the responsibilities that both the university and individual students will have in effectively managing any health conditions. It also outlines the support available to students which they should be aware of in case of an emergency. 

Student Responsibilities 

All University of Gloucestershire students should ensure the following for enabling the university to best assist in the case of a medical emergency: 

• Students are expected to bring with them medical supplies or other items they may need during a medical crisis or if they become unwell. This may include, but is not limited to; epi-pens, prescribed medicine, food, water, asthma pumps etc.  
• It is strongly recommended that students carry a medical alert device. These help first aiders assess to respond effectively to medical emergencies.  
• Students are advised to set up a Medical ID alert on their mobile phones, which can be accessed in an emergency. Please follow the guidance below to set this up on your device. 
• Students should ensure that they save the University Security Phone Number 01242 714934 to their phone for calling First Aid support as required. This phone number is available 24 hours. 
• Ensure that all information on the impact of and presentation of your diagnosed condition is kept up to date with the Disability Support Team. 

University Responsibilities 

The University of Gloucestershire will ensure that: 

• Information on the support which is available to students is provided (by way of this information leaflet and the Disability Support Team). 
• Students are aware of the University Security Phone Number for accessing First Aid support in an emergency. 
• Halls of Residences staff (if applicable) are aware of any support needs where this has been reasonably reported to the University 
• Additional information on managing a diagnosed condition is communicated to key university staff through a student’s Reasonable Adjustment Plan (RAP)
• First aid staff will respond to calls in a timely manner in order to provide initial treatment and support or call for further assistance through the Emergency Services if required. The involvement of Emergency Services is at the discretion of the First Aider present based on if they feel that they can best treat or support a student in that circumstance while ensuring that there is no immediate risk to the student or others. Please note, it is not possible for the University to provide a guaranteed response time for first aid support.

Issuing of Medication 

First aiders cannot administer tablets or medicine.  

University first aid kits do not contain aspirin, paracetamol or other types of pain-relief medication. If a student has prescribed medication, the first-aiders role is limited to helping the student to take the medication and contacting emergency services as appropriate.  

Medicine legislation restricts the administration of injectable medicines. Unless self-administered, they may only be administered by or in accordance with the instructions of a doctor (e.g., by a nurse). In the case of adrenaline there is an exemption to this restriction, which means in an emergency a layperson is permitted to administer it by injection for the purpose of saving life. 

However, first-aiders can help students to administer an EpiPen if they are dealing with a life-threatening emergency involving a student who has been prescribed and is in possession of an EpiPen, and where the first aider is trained to use it. First aiders will also check if a student is wearing a medic-alert bracelet or similar item that may

provide instructions as to the student’s condition and responses required. Please note, this is at the discretion of each individual first aider called to a medical emergency. It may be necessary to request additional support from the Emergency Services. 

Medical ID 

A Medical ID on your phone helps first aid staff to access your critical medical information from the lock screen, without needing your passcode. They can see information like allergies and medical conditions, current medical conditions and preferred treatment as well as who to contact in case of an emergency. 

How to set up your Medical ID on iPhone 

1. Open the Health app and tap the Summary tab. 
2. Tap your profile picture in the upper-right corner. 
3. Under your profile picture, tap Medical ID. 
4. To make your Medical ID available from the Lock screen on your iPhone, turn on Show When Locked. In an emergency, this gives information to people who want to help. To share your Medical ID with emergency responders, turn on Share During Emergency Call. When you make a call or send a text to emergency services on your iPhone or Apple Watch, your Medical ID will automatically be shared with emergency services. 
5. Tap Edit or Add next to the field you want to update. You can add details such as Medications, Allergies, and any Conditions you have. 
6. Tap Done. 

Medical ID can also be set up on Android devices 

There are many Android models, and all differ slightly in how to set up a medical ID but will be similar to the instructions below. 

1. Open settings. 
2. Tap Safety and Emergency. 
3. Tap Medical info and enter medical information, then tap save. 
4. Your medical ID is now set up, but you still must allow access to the information for emergency responders. Toggle on Show on Lock Screen. 
5. Click the back button, then tap Emergency contacts. Add your emergency contacts here and toggle on Show on Lock Screen. 
6. To view your medical ID from the lock screen, tap Emergency Call, then tap View medical info. 

Find out how to set up a medical ID on a Google Pixel. 

Medical ID Cards 

As an alternative to using a phone Medical ID, you can also use a manual ID card for keeping on your person or in your purse/wallet. There are many different versions of this, however one can be found at Universal Medical Aid. 

Important Information 

In an emergency, please call 999 or go to your local A&E (Great Western Rd, Gloucester GL1 3NN or College Rd, Cheltenham GL53 7AN) 

If on campus, please call Security 01242 714934 (available 24 hours)