Student Emergencies – Immediate Attention Needed
If you or someone you are supporting is in immediate danger, feels unsafe, or threatening harm to self, others, or property, call 911 or the Clemson University Public Safety Communications Center at 864-656-2222 for police, fire, and emergency medical services.
Contacting the Office of Advocacy and Success (OAS) is not appropriate if the student or situation requires immediate attention or there is an emergency of any kind; please call public safety and emergency services, and then submit the referral form so the CARE Network can follow-up after the emergency has been addressed.
Crisis Resources
Medical Emergencies
The essential first step is immediately seeking medical care. Please call 911 for local emergency services or contact the Clemson University Public Safety (Police, Fire & EMS) at 864-656-2222 immediately.
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Examples of Medical Emergencies
Examples of medical emergencies include, but are not limited to:
- Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
- Chest pain or pressure
- Severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis)
- Uncontrolled bleeding
- Sudden loss of consciousness or fainting
- Stroke symptoms (e.g., weakness on one side, slurred speech, facial droop)
- Severe burns
- Seizures
- Head or spinal injuries
- Sudden, severe abdominal pain
- Suspected poisoning or overdose
- Severe dehydration or heat-related illness
Psychological/Mental Health Emergencies
In situations where harm to self or others is likely or imminent, call 911 for local emergency servicies or call 864-656-2222 for Clemson University Public Safety (Police, Fire/EMS), or go to the nearest hospital emergency department. Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) counselors are also available for crisis assistance and consultation 24/7 by calling 864-656-2451:
- Business Hours: 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Wednesday
- After-hours Emergencies: Call 864-656-2451 and select option 2 from the menu to speak to a clinician.
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Examples of Psychological/Mental Health Emergencies
Psychological or mental health emergencies may include, but are not limited to:
- Suicidal thoughts or behaviors, including threats or attempts
- Severe panic attacks or anxiety episodes that impair functioning
- Psychotic symptoms, such as hallucinations or delusions
- Extreme depression or withdrawal from all activities
- Sudden, intense mood swings or agitation
- Threats of self-harm or harming others
- Inability to care for oneself due to emotional/mental distress
Behavioral Emergencies
Any behavior that is out of the norm for the person, the situation or the circumstances could indicate an emergency or that intervention is needed. Psychological and/or medical issues can present themselves as a behavioral problem or emergency. For consultation in assessing the situation and responding appropriately:
- Call the Clemson University Public Safety (Police, Fire/EMS) at 864-656-2222.
- University Police will refer you to Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) if CAPS is determined to be the best point of initial contact for consultation or intervention.
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Examples of Behavioral Emergencies
Examples of behavioral emergencies include, but are not limited to:
- Aggressive or violent behavior toward others
- Severe agitation or uncontrolled anger
- Threatening or intimidating behavior
- Destruction of property
- Behavior that poses immediate risk to self or others
- Running away or wandering off in a vulnerable state
- Refusal to follow safety instructions in a crisis situation
Sexual Assault/Relationship Violence
Survivors of interpersonal violence are NEVER at fault. There are many on- and off-campus support services and resources available to help survivors. If you have been sexually assaulted, consider seeking medical attention as soon as possible.
INTERPERSONAL VIOLENCE RESOURCES: What to do if you're the survivor of sexual assault, local hospitals and access to Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners, how to report to the University and/or Law Enforcement, and more campus, local and national resources.
- Clemson University Police Department: 864-656-2222
- Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS): 864-656-2451 (for an after-hours counselor, select option 2)
- Pickens County Advocacy Center: 864-442-5500 (24-hour crisis line)
- First Light SC (Anderson & Oconee): 855-810-4882 (24-hour crisis line)
- Safe Harbor (Dating/Domestic Violence): 1-800-291-2139 (24-hour crisis line)
Non-Emergency Support
Use one of the following referral forms to notify the University that an emergency has occurred so that the appropriate office can follow-up and provide on-going support to the impacted student(s)
