RIT | Student Health Center

What to do if the Student Health Center is Closed

SHC Hours

Monday - Thursday 8:30 am - 7:00 pm
Wednesday 8:30 am - 12:00 pm, 2:30 pm - 7:00 pm
Note: 12:00 pm - 2:30 pm Open for emergencies only, please ring the doorbell.
Friday 8:30 am - 4:30 pm

Summer and Academic Breaks

Monday - Friday 8:30 am - 4:30 pm

Hours are subject to change and will be posted. The SHC is closed on all national holidays recognized by the Institute.

Where do I go for health care when the Student Health Center is closed and I just cannot wait?
First determine whether your problem is an urgent one or an emergency. If you are not sure or need assistance with deciding what care you need, please contact Public Safety at 475-3333 or via IM at RITPublicSafety. Typical "urgent care" problems include:

Minor injuries
Strains and sprains
Cuts requiring stitches
Ear, nose and throat infections
Respiratory infections-coughs/bronchitis
Mild asthma flare-ups
Bladder infections
Minor eye injuries and infections
Minor skin rashes

Should I let Student Health Center know that I needed urgent or emergency care?
If you use the community-based services listed above, call the Student Health Center on the next day it is open to discuss making a follow-up appointment.

Urgent Care

Urgent care for minor injuries and illnesses that cannot wait is available evenings and weekends through AfterHours Medical Care from Lifetime Health. AfterHours provides urgent care by same day appointment at three locations in the Rochester area:

Marion B. Folsom Center

1850 Brighton-Henrietta TL Rd.

Greece Health Center

470 Long Pond Rd.

Joseph C. Wilson Health Center

800 Carter St.

The Folsom center is the location closest to campus. Please note that AfterHours does not provide walk in care-you must call 338-1200 for a same day appointment.

In addition, two area hospitals offer walk in urgent care within the Emergency Department:

"Southside" at Strong Memorial Hospital
Address: Enter Emergency Room entrance at 601 Elmwood Avenue
Phone: 275-4439
Hours: 24 hours/7 days a week

Unity Health Systems Walk-in Care Center (entrance off Chili Ave.)
Address: 89 Genesee Street
Phone: 368-3050
Hours: 24 hours/7 days a week

Emergency Care

For assistance with medical emergencies, call Public Safety (or via IM: RITPublicSafety)
Residence Halls - 333 (v) or 5-6654 (TTY)
On campus Apartments: 475-3333 0r 475-6654 (TTY)

Off campus students should call 911

Public Safety may send an ambulance to your on campus location for assessment, treatment and/or transport to a local emergency department for additional care. Click here for ambulance information

The following hospitals provide emergency care closest to RIT:

Strong Memorial Hospital
601 Elmwood Avenue
Rochester, New York 14642
275-4551

Highland Hospital
1000 South Avenue
Rochester, New York 14620
341-6880

Unity Hospital
1555 Long Pond Road
Rochester, New York 14626
723-7070

Deaf students have the right to an interpreter. If needed, please request one.

Ambulance Service

What do I do if I need emergency transport to a hospital?

Please contact Public Safety for assistance with emergency transportation. From the start of the school year in September until graduation, 24-hour ambulance service is available seven days a week through the RIT Ambulance Corps, a NYS certified volunteer ambulance.

If RIT ambulance is responding to another call, an outside ambulance may be dispatched to your location. This outside ambulance may charge a fee for its services.

If you need a ride back from the hospital, contact Public Safety at 475-2853 for assistance with return transportation. The TRIP program (Transportation Reimbursement Indemnity Plan) provides non emergency transportation for RIT students to and from Rochester area hospitals and health care services through Checker Cab. (http://finweb.rit.edu/grms/pats/transportation/trip.html)

BUMPS & BRUISES

(back to Tiger Tips on First Aid)

Bumps and bruises (contusions) are caused by a direct blow to the soft tissue, which in most cases will produce swelling, discoloration and pain.

Signs and Symptoms

Pain and tenderness over the site
Swelling
Discoloration- " black and blue"
Localized warmth of tissue and redness
Possible muscle spasm or limitation of movement
at the site

Bumps and bruises may be signs of more serious injury.

Treatment

Ice
Apply ice to the area for 20 minutes then take it off for 20
minutes. Continue to do this as often as possible during the
first 72 hours after the injury.
Compression
Wrap the affected area firmly but not too tightly with
an ace bandage or elastic wrap.
Elevation
Raise the injured area higher than heart level to decrease
swelling that may occur as the result of the injury.

General Care

Check the pulse of the injured limb below the injury site.
If no pulse is found, seek emergency help.
Check the healing process. Severe bruises may be a sign of
more serious internal injury.

BURNS

(back to Tiger Tips on First Aid)

Burns occur when skin is damaged by excessive heat, irritating
chemicals or electricity. How severe the burn is depends on the
temperature of the object or substance causing the burn, how long
it has contact with the skin, the location and extent of the burn and
the person's age and medical condition.

First Aid Treatment

The aims of burn care are to relieve pain, prevent infection or control infection, and promote healing with adequate nutrition.

Degrees of Severity	Healing

1st Degree
Skin red, dry, warm Usually painful Occasionally swollen	Will usually heal without problems If skin becomes very dry, unscented moisturizers like Vaseline or Eucerin may be used

2nd Degree
Skin red and has some blisters Skin may appear wet if the blisters are open Usually painful Area often swells	Protect blisters from opening and becoming infected Large blistered areas should be checked by SHC Special burn creams which protect the skin from infection may be used

3rd Degree
Burns through skin and structures below skin Burns may look brown or charred May be very painful or relatively painless Can be life-threatening Should be checked by SHC	Most likely to cause problems with scarring and infection

Burns that affect more than 15% of the body surface are medical emergencies; immediate emergency help should be sought.

General Care for All Burns

Cool the burned area immediately with lots of cool water. Do not
use ice or ice water except on small burns. Apply wet cloths to an
area that cannot be immersed.

Pain can usually be relieved by analgesics such as aspirin,
acetaminophen, or by ibuprofen.

A tetanus booster should be given if it has been more than 5 years
since the last booster.

A nutritious diet with adequate calories, protein and vitamins will
promote skin healing.

Special Cases

Shock-A person who is going into shock will look pale, clammy,
have a weak, rapid pulse, rapid breathing, and be restless. Have the person lie flat and raise their feet. Keep the person as comfortable as possible and seek emergency help.

Electrical injury-Electrical currents may interfere with normal
heartbeat or breathing. If you notice any abnormalities, seek
emergency help.

Chemical burns-Most chemicals should be flushed from the skin
immediately, using large amounts of water or by following
directions on containers for neutralizing or removing the chemical.

"COMMON " COLD

(back to Tiger Tips on First Aid)

A cold is an acute viral infection of the respiratory tract with
inflammation of any or all of the following: nose, sinuses, throat,
vocal cords and bronchi. There is usually no fever.

Colds spread easily in closed areas such as classrooms and dorms.
They are spread by droplets (little particles when you cough or
sneeze) and by hand to hand contact. Although going out in the
cold Rochester weather without a hat won't bring on a cold, you
may be more at risk to get an infection if you are very tired or
under stress.

Signs and Symptoms

Throat discomfort
Sneezing
Runny or stuffy nose with watery drainage
Feeling tired
Cough and hoarseness
Usually resolve in 7-10 days

General Care

Rest
Acetaminophen (Tylenol) or Ibuprofen (Advil) for discomfort
Fluids (anything you enjoy except alcohol)
Nasal decongestants (sudafed) for stuffy nose

Antihistamines (allergy medicine) are of little use with colds.

Antibiotics are only effective against bacterial infection (like strep) and not against colds.

Prevention

Wash your hands frequently and after everytime
you sneeze, blow your nose, etc.
Get enough rest for your body's needs.
Don't share cups, dishes and silverware
with anyone.
If you smoke, quit, if you don't, DON'T start!
Smokers have less effective ways to fight
colds due to smokes' effects on the respiratory tract.
If you have a chronic illness, you should probably
get a flu shot in the Fall. Come to SHC and ask
about it.

Come to SHC for:

Temperature over 101 for 2 days that is not relieved
by Acetaminophen (Tylenol).
Very sore throat and swollen glands.
Difficulty catching your breath.
Asthma or other respiratory disease.

CONTACT DERMATITIS

(back to Tiger Tips on First Aid)

Contact dermatitis is a rash caused by substances in contact with
the skin. Commonly known irritants are poison ivy or poison oak.

Signs and Symptoms

Redness of skin

Itching

Blister formation

Usually limited to site of contact

General Care

Cool, moist compresses will help to decrease itching
and swelling.

Antihistamines (like benadryl) over-the-counter may
help to reduce itching and may help with sleep.

For more severe or extensive rashes prescription
medications may be required.

CUTS & SCRAPES

(back to Tiger Tips on First Aid)

A cut or scrape is a break in the skin that can result in loss of blood
and could lead to infection. Cuts and scrapes are divided into
different categories based on the kind of injury that has occurred.
Kinds of Cuts and Scrapes

Abrasions-Skin is rubbed or scraped away.

Tend to be painful (burning pain)

Little bleeding, oozing or weeping

May contain debris or particles that might cause
infection

Lacerations-A cut, usually from a sharp object

May have either smooth or jagged edges

Deep lacerations can damage nerves or
blood vessels

Can bleed heavily

Puncture wound-Skin is pierced with a pointed object, such as a
nail, piece of glass or splinter.

External bleeding is usually not severe
Internal bleeding might be severe
There is likelihood of infection

Avulsion-A portion of the skin and sometimes other soft tissue is
partially or completely torn away.

Bleeding is usually significant
Often the severed tissue can be reattached
Wrap tissue in sterile gauze or clean cloth, put in
bag and place on ice

General Care

Control bleeding by direct pressure on the wound. Use a
protective barrier whenever possible. If blood soaks
through pressure dressing, add more pads. Do not
remove any blood-soaked pads.
Elevate the injured part above the level of the heart if
possible.
A tetanus booster may be necessary for large or dirty
wounds.

As wound heals, watch for signs of infection:

Redness spreading from around the wound edges
Increasing pain or soreness in the area, especially
throbbing pain
Heat or warmth to the skin when compared to
surrounding skin
Swelling
Pus
Red streaks or blotches
Fever
General sick feeling

Wounds Requiring Medical Attention

Bleeding that cannot be controlled

Deep injuries

Injuries caused by dirty objects

Large or deeply embedded objects

Human or animal bites

Wounds that may cause a noticeable scar

Injury to the eye, eyelid, or lip

Any injury where healing is in doubt

Any wound where infection may be or is present

EYE INJURIES

(back to Tiger Tips on First Aid)

Injuries to the eye can involve the bone and tissue surrounding the
eye and eyeball. Blunt objects, such as a fist, may injure the eye area; or a smaller object may penetrate the eyeball. Foreign bodies in the eye, such as dirt, sand, or slivers of wood or metal are irritating and can cause damage.

Signs and Symptoms

Eye produces tears in an attempt to flush out object
or irritation
May be very painful
There may be difficulty opening the eye
Light may irritate eye
Object may be visible in eye

General Care

Foreign Body in the Eye

Blink several times
Gently flush eye with water

(If object remains, call SHC or Campus Safety)

Chemical in the Eye

Wash with water, for at least 15 minutes, flushing from nose outward

(Call SHC or Campus Safety)

Injury to Eyeball

Never put pressure on eyeball
Do not attempt to remove any objects that have entered the eyeball
Lie down on your back
Place a clean cloth or sterile dressing over the eye or around the object
Close and cover the unaffected eye to keep blood, fluid or dirt from entering and also to decrease eye movement

(Call SHC or Campus Safety)

Blow to the Eye

Apply cold compresses immediately and
continuously for 20 minutes

(Call SHC or Campus Safety if eye discolors, pain persists, vision is impaired, or there is obvious bleeding in or around the eye area.)

FROSTBITE

(back to Tiger Tips on First Aid)

Frostbite is the most common injury caused by exposure to cold. Ice
crystals form in body tissues (usually the nose, ears, chin, cheeks
and fingers) limiting blood flow to the injured part. This can
cause severe damage to the affected area and can have serious
consequences.

Signs and Symptoms

Lack of feeling in the affected area
Skin is cold to touch and appears waxy
Skin is discolored - flushed, white, yellow, blue

(Frostbite can be a serious problem requiring a surgical referral.)

First Aid Treatment

Cover affected area
Handle area gently
Never rub affected area
Gently warm area - do not apply strong heat (hot water, hot instruments)
Avoid breaking blisters

(Come to SHC or call Campus Safety)

Prevention

Wear hats, ear muffs and mittens during cold weather.
Keep feet dry by wearing waterproof boots during harsh
Rochester winters.
Use a scarf over your face on the windy quarter mile.

HEAT EMERGENCIES

(back to Tiger Tips on First Aid)

On hot, still, humid Rochester days anyone may be affected by the
heat. People who are more sensitive to the heat include the very
young and old, those who are overweight, athletes and people who work in hot places. Heat emergencies are divided into categories based on the seriousness of the situation.

Degrees of Severity	Signs and Symptoms

Heat Stroke (Medical Emergency)	Hot dry, red skin High body temperature Fast, weak pulse and fast, shallow breathing Progressive loss of consciousness

Heat Exhaustion	Cool, moist skin Skin can either be red or pale Heavy sweating Large pupils Headache, nausea, dizziness, weakness Normal or above normal body temperature

Heat Cramps	Muscle twitching, cramps and spasms Profuse sweating

General Care

Get the person out of the heat.
Apply cool, wet cloths or immerse in cool water.
If conscious, offer water - 1/2 glass every 15 minutes for at least an hour.Call SHC or Campus Safety.

Call SHC or Campus Safety.

INSECT STINGS & BITES

(back to Tiger Tips on First Aid)

Insect stings are very common, but rarely fatal. Fewer than 100
reported deaths occur each year. Some people do have severe
allergic reactions to an insect sting that can result in a life -
threatening condition called anaphylaxis.

Signs and Symptoms

Local pain, itching, redness and swelling

Heat around the area of the bite

Allergic Reaction:

Hives, severe itching appears
Possible nausea, weakness, vomiting or dizziness
Breathing difficulty - coughing or wheezing

General Care

Scrape the stinger with an object like a credit card. Do
not squeeze with tweezers, since putting pressure on the
venom sack can cause further problems.
Wash the area with soap and water.
Apply ice or cold pack.

If an allergic reaction occurs, call SHC or Campus safety.

NOSE BLEEDS

(back to Tiger Tips on First Aid)

Injuries to the nose, changes in humidity and colds can often result
in nose bleeds. The dry air in the dorms and apartments often
causes this kind of problem.

Signs and Symptoms

Bleeding from the nose

Little pain, if any

General Care

Have the person sit down and lean forward with chin to chest.
Pinch nose.
If bleeding continues, apply ice pack to the bridge of the nose.
Once bleeding has been controlled, avoid rubbing, blowing or picking the nose since this may restart bleeding.
Later apply a little petroleum jelly inside the nostril
to keep it moist.

If bleeding continues, call SHC or Campus Safety.

SPRAINS & STRAINS

(back to Tiger Tips on First Aid)

A sprain is the partial or complete tearing of ligaments and other
tissues at a joint. Severity can range from a mild sprain to a major
injury which may tear the ligament and require surgery.

Degrees of Severity	Signs and Symptoms

Minor	Mild tenderness Minimal swelling Mild pain with movement

Major	Tenderness to touch, extreme pain Swelling Looseness in joint, possible deformity

A strain is stretching and tearing of muscles or tendon fibers.
Severity can range from a mild strain to a more serious injury.

Degrees of Severity	Signs and Symptoms

Minor	Soreness Tightness Little loss of function

Major	Extreme Pain Swelling Bruising Deformity and inability to use the affected limb

General Care : "A-RICE"

A = Anti-inflammatory medicines: aspirin or ibuprofen (advil) may
help the pain and help the injury to heal faster by reducing
inflammation.

R= Rest: minimize or entirely avoid use of the injured area to allow
for healing.

I=Ice: apply ice or cold compresses 20 minutes every hour. This will
help to reduce/control swelling and pain.

C=Compression: use of an elastic bandage will help prevent
swelling and limit movement to help rest the area.

E=Elevation: when possible, keep affected part higher than the level of the heart to reduce and prevent swelling.

For more severe sprains or strains, keep the person still and call
SHC or Campus Safety.

SUNBURN

(back to Tiger Tips on First Aid)

Inflammation of the skin caused by overexposure to the
sun-which believe it or not may actually occur in Rochester!

Signs and Symptoms

Redness of the skin in areas that have been sun exposed
Painful
May involve blisters, peeling and swelling

General Care

Cool, moist cloths.
Unscented moisturizing creams like Eucerin to reddened areas only.
Avoid breaking blisters.
Avoid ointments which are heavy and prevent skin healing.
Drink lots of water to replace any fluids lost through perspiration.

Prevention

Use suntan lotions with SPF 15 or higher at least 1/2 hour BEFORE sun exposure. Reapply often.
Avoid sun exposure between 10 A.M. and 2 P.M.
Wear sunglasses with at least 90% blockage of ultraviolet rays.

Alcohol and Other Drug Emergencies

What should I do if I suspect that a friend is in danger from having too much to drink and/or taking drugs?

Alcohol poisoning can kill. If your friend has been drinking, especially a large amount over a short period of time, or has been taking drugs, look for these signs of possible alcohol poisoning/drug overdose:

Confusion
Pale skin
Passing out
Vomiting
Irregular or slow breathing

A person's blood alcohol level can continue to rise even after they stop drinking. Don't leave your friend to "sleep it off".

Call Public Safety or 911 immediately for assistance

Emergency Contraception

What is EC?

Emergency contraception is medication that can reduce the risk of pregnancy after sex. Sometimes called the "morning after pill," it does not absolutely need to be taken the next day. If taken within the first 72 hours (3 days) after sex it can reduce the chance of pregnancy by up to 89% and can be even more effective if taken sooner. Remember, the sooner it is taken after unprotected sex, the more effective it will be in preventing pregnancy.

EC is a "back up" method and should not be considered a regular method of birth control. As a regular method, even if used perfectly, EC is not as effective as other birth control methods. SHC providers will assist you in obtaining a reliable method of contraception for regular use.

The SHC offers a brand of emergency contraception called Plan B. Plan B contains the hormone levonorgestrel, a progestin hormone found in many birth control pills. Plan B does not contain the hormone estrogen.

Who might want to consider EC?

A woman might want to consider EC if:

The condom broke or slipped off during sex
Her diaphragm or cervical cap slipped during sex
No birth control method was used
Birth control pills were forgotten or missed
She was forced to have unprotected vaginal sex (sexual assault information)

How does it work?

EC prevents pregnancy by preventing ovulation, fertilization or implantation of a fertilized egg in the uterus. All of these events happen before the start of pregnancy, medically defined as the implantation of a fertilized egg in the lining of a woman's uterus. EC is not an abortion pill. If a pregnancy is already established, EC will not interfere with that pregnancy and there are no known risks to the developing fetus.

How do I use Plan B?

Plan B consists of two pills taken at the same time as soon as possible after unprotected sex.

What are the side effects?

With Plan B, it is very uncommon to experience side effects. Some women may have mild nausea so it is best to take the pills with food.

What can I expect after I take the pills?

Depending on where you are in your menstrual cycle at the time you take Plan B, your period may start on time or be a few days early or late. If your period does not start within three weeks after taking Plan B, see your health care provider for a pregnancy test.

The SHC recommends that you begin using a reliable birth control method regularly to prevent pregnancy. Providers can assist with answering questions, discussing birth control options, providing informational print materials and helping you make an appointment for a women's health care exam.

How do I get Plan B at the Student Health Center?

Call or stop in to make an appointment with a medical provider. Make sure the receptionist knows you need a same day appointment. The provider will ask questions to determine if EC is appropriate for you. You may purchase the medication from the SHC.

Plan B is now also available at local pharmacies without a prescription for women 18 years of age or older. Those under 18 still need a prescription. Plan B is kept behind the pharmacy counter--just ask and be prepared to show proof of age.

Is there a charge for Plan B?

Plan B is currently offered at the SHC for $15, subject to change.

Where can I get more information?
Call the SHC for more information or make an appointment to speak with a SHC provider.

Planned Parenthood

The Office of Population Research at Princeton University and Association of Reproductive Health Professionals site

http://www.not-2-late

Sexual Assault

What do I do if I have been sexually assaulted?

Go immediately to a safe place and seek the support of someone you trust.

Do not change clothes, shower, bathe or douche or in any way alter or dispose of any potential evidence.

Seek medical care at a hospital emergency department.

Whether or not you choose to report the assault, it is recommended that you get medical care as soon as possible. This care may include prevention of sexually transmitted infections, HIV and pregnancy (emergency contraception) as well as screening to detect the presence of date rape drugs such as Rohypnol. Evidence collection ("rape kit") can be obtained up to 96 hours after the incident.

Use the following resources to access care or information:

Public Safety:
Residence Halls - 333 (v) or 5-6654 (TTY)
On campus apartments: 475-3333 or 475-6654 (TTY)

AIM: RITPublicSafety

Public Safety may send an ambulance to your location for assessment, treatment and/or transport to a local emergency department for additional care. (ambulance information)

Student Health Center:
475-2255 or 475-5515 (TTY)
Hours: Monday - Thursday: 8:30 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Friday: 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
SHC will assist with transportation arrangements for hospital services during regular business hours.

Rape Crisis/Safe Center:
Hotline 546-2777 or 546-7582 (TTY)

RIT CARES Team (Campus Advocacy Response and Support) (http://www.rit.edu/~306www/womens/cares_about.php)

295-3533

AIM: RITCares

Consider reporting the assault. It is your decision whether or not to report the assault. A trained counselor or advocate can help you explore options and work with law enforcement if you choose.

What do I do if it has been more than 96 hours after the sexual assault?

You can still get help. Seek follow up medical care. Call for an appointment at SHC for sexually transmitted infection, HIV and pregnancy testing.

Get help with the emotional and psychological impact from the assault.

In addition to support services offered at SHC, on-campus resources such as Counseling Center 5-2261 or 5-6897 (TTY) and Women's Center 5-7464 (V/TTY) are available. Off campus resources include Rape Crisis/Safe Center: Hotline 546-2777 or 546-7582 (TTY) or Planned Parenthood.

Remember, it is never too late to call for help.