Emergency Care

In Canada, emergency medical services are available for life-threatening or serious conditions.

All students must know when and how to access emergency care properly.

In a medical emergency, it is always better to act quickly. Do not hesitate to seek help.

You should seek immediate emergency care if you experience:

• Severe chest pain
• Difficulty breathing
• Heavy or uncontrolled bleeding
• Serious injury (such as broken bones or head trauma)
• Loss of consciousness
• Symptoms of stroke (sudden weakness, speech problems, facial drooping)

For any life-threatening situation, act quickly.

• Call 911
   Dial 911 from any phone (mobile or landline) for ambulance, police, or fire services.
   Emergency operators are available 24/7.
   You do not need a local phone number — any working phone can call 911.
• Go to the Nearest Hospital Emergency Room
   If it is safe, you can also go directly to a hospital emergency department without an appointment.

In Victoria, emergency care is available at:

• Royal Jubilee Hospital (1952 Bay St, Victoria, BC)
• Victoria General Hospital (1 Hospital Way, View Royal, BC)

• Always carry your MSP card or private health insurance card with you.
• Emergency medical care is covered under MSP if you are enrolled.
  If you are still in the MSP waiting period, you may need to pay first and claim reimbursement through private insurance.
• Only call 911 for true emergencies.
  Calling 911 for non-urgent matters may lead to fines.