UMass Boston

According to the American College of Emergency Physicians, certain symptoms indicate a medical emergency. These include: 

• Bleeding that does not stop
• Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
• Change in mental status (ex: confusion, unusual behavior)
• Chest pain
• Choking
• Coughing up or vomiting blood
• Loss of consciousness
• Suicidal thoughts or intentions
• Head or spine injury
• Severe or persistent vomiting
• Sudden, severe pain
• Sudden dizziness, weakness, or change in vision
• Swallowing a poisonous substance
• Severe abdominal pain or pressure

This is not an exhaustive list. If you suspect you are experiencing a medical emergency, dial 911 immediately.

On-Campus Emergency Response

UMass Boston's Department of Public Safety promptly responds to all on-campus emergencies. Please call 911 for immediate assistance from police, fire department, and/or ambulance services.

Community Emergency Response

Community Helplines

• Boston Area Rape Crisis Center (BARCC): (800) 841-8371
• National Suicide Prevention Hotline: 988
• Never Use Alone 24/7 Line: (877) 696-1996
• Posion Control Center: (800) 222-1222

Community Resources

• Emergency vs. Urgent Care Guide

After-Hour Emergency Medical Facilities

Mental health emergencies can include severe situations where immediate intervention is crucial. These may involve:

• Thoughts of suicide
• Suicidal intentions, statements, or attempts
• Impulses to self-harm
• Severe confusion or disorientation
• Incoherent speech
• Loss of contact with reality (hallucinations, delusions)
• Extreme panic or inability to care for oneself
• Recent victim of violence or assault

If someone you know expresses suicidal thoughts or intentions:

• Do not leave them alone.
• Take their statements seriously.
• Seek help immediately. 

What to Do in a Mental Health Emergency

In case of an emergency, please dial 911 for immediate assistance.

On-Campus Resources

• Call the Counseling Center at (617) 287-5690 during hours of operation.
• Call 911 to reach UMB Department of Public Safety.

Off-Campus Resources

• Boston Area Rape Crisis Center (BARCC): (800) 841-8371
• National Suicide Prevention Hotline: 988
• Never Use Alone 24/7 Line: (877) 696-1996
• Samaritans 24/7 Crisis Service: (877) 870-4673 (text support available)

The Student Suicide Intervention Protocol at UMass Boston is designed to educate and guide faculty, staff, students, and community members on responding to students at risk of self-harm. All threats or behaviors indicating self-harm should be taken seriously and immediately referred to according to this protocol. Remember: FERPA regulations do not prevent reporting concerns of self-harm.

In case of an emergency, contact UMass Boston Police at 911.

UMB Student Suicide Intervention Protocol

• Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center
  • Emergency Medicine
    1 Deaconess Road, Boston, MA 02215
    Phone: (617) 754-2400
    
    
• Boston Medical Center
  • Emergency Medicine
    725 Albany Street, Boston, MA 02118
    Phone: (617) 414-4075
    
    
• Brigham and Women's Hospital
  • Emergency Medicine
    75 Francis Street, Boston, MA 02115
    Phone: (617) 732-5500
    
    
• Children's Hospital (ages 21 & under)
  • Emergency Department
    300 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA 02115
    Phone: (617) 355-6000
    
    
• Massachusetts General Hospital
  • Emergency Medicine
    55 Fruit Street, Boston, MA 02114
    Phone: (617) 724-4100
    
    
• Saint Elizabeth's Hospital
  • Emergency Services Department
    255 Washington Street, Brighton, MA 02135
    Phone: (617) 789-2666
    
    
• Tufts Medical Center
  • Emergency Medicine
    800 Washington Street, Boston, MA 02111
    Phone: (617) 636-5000