Purpose
Xavier University School of Veterinary Medicine (XUSOVM) is committed to providing a safe and secure environment for students, faculty, staff, and visitors. This policy establishes procedures for emergency preparedness, first aid, infectious disease management, disaster response, evacuation, and emergency communications.
The policy is designed to ensure the health, safety, and wellbeing of the university community and to facilitate timely and coordinated responses to emergencies occurring on or off campus.
First Aid and Emergency Medical Response
First aid services are available to students, faculty, staff, and visitors while on campus.
Designated faculty and staff receive training in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), automated external defibrillator (AED) use, and first aid. Students must activate emergency services promptly; campus assistance does not replace professional emergency medical care.
Faculty and staff receive periodic training regarding emergency response procedures, including:
- Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR)
- Automated External Defibrillator (AED) use
- Asthma emergencies
- Allergic reactions and anaphylaxis
- Epileptic seizures
- Heat-related illnesses
- Trauma and injury management
- Infectious disease precautions
Emergency Equipment
XUSOVM maintains emergency medical supplies and equipment throughout campus, including but not limited to:
- First aid kits
- Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs)
- Epinephrine auto-injectors (where permitted by law)
- Emergency oxygen supplies (if available)
- Asthma rescue inhalers (where permitted by law)
- Personal protective equipment (PPE)
- Emergency communication devices
The locations of emergency equipment are communicated to students and employees during orientation and emergency preparedness training sessions.
Infectious Disease Management
Students, faculty, and staff who suspect that they may have contracted a communicable or infectious disease that could pose a risk to others must promptly notify:
- Dean of Student Affairs (students)
- Immediate supervisor (faculty or staff)
- Dean of Veterinary Medicine, when appropriate
The University will cooperate with local public health authorities and comply with all applicable public health reporting requirements.
When necessary, suspected or confirmed cases may be temporarily isolated in designated facilities or managed according to public health guidance until appropriate medical evaluation and follow-up occur.
The University maintains access to qualified healthcare professionals and subject matter experts who assist in:
- Infectious disease prevention
- Outbreak preparedness
- Public health education
- Epidemiological surveillance
- Emergency response planning
XUSOVM reserves the right to modify protocols and procedures in accordance with recommendations issued by governmental authorities, public health agencies, and accreditation bodies.
Natural Disaster Preparedness
Because Aruba may experience severe weather events and other natural disasters, XUSOVM maintains a comprehensive emergency preparedness and disaster response plan.
In the event of:
- Hurricanes
- Tropical storms
- Flooding
- Earthquakes
- Utility failures
- Public health emergencies
- Civil emergencies
- Other disasters
The University may suspend academic activities and activate emergency response procedures.
Students, faculty, and staff will receive instructions regarding:
- Shelter-in-place procedures
- Evacuation procedures
- Campus closures
- Temporary relocation arrangements
- Resumption of academic activities
The University will make reasonable efforts to provide:
- Safe shelter
- Transportation assistance
- Food and water
- Emergency medical support
- Ongoing communication during emergencies
Emergency Communications
The University utilizes multiple communication methods during emergencies, including:
- University email
- Student Information System notifications
- University website
- Social media platforms
- Emergency text messaging systems
- Telephone communication
- Other available communication channels
Students are responsible for maintaining current contact information with the University.
Emergency Contact Information
XUSOVM Aruba Campus
Main Telephone:
+297 588 7766
Campus Emergency Line:
+297 597 7770
Campus Security:
+297 582 7252
Aruba Emergency Services
Emergency:
911
Police:
100 or +297 582 4000
Fire Department:
911 or +297 529 1108
Ambulance:
911 or +297 582 5573
Information Services:
118
Local Hospital
Dr. Horacio Oduber Hospital
Dr. Horacio Oduber Boulevard #1
Oranjestad, Aruba
Telephone:
+297 527 4000
Emergency numbers: Government of Aruba, https://www.gobierno.aw/number-di-emergencia-911. Students should save current campus and placement-site contacts in their phones.
Medical Emergencies
In the event of a medical emergency:
- Call 911 immediately.
- Notify campus security or the Campus Emergency Line.
- Seek immediate medical attention at the nearest healthcare facility.
- Notify the Office of Student Affairs as soon as reasonably possible.
Students requiring emergency medical evacuation should contact their insurance provider immediately and notify the University.
Weather-Related Emergencies
Students should monitor:
- Local radio stations
- Local television broadcasts
- Official government advisories
- University communications
During severe weather events, students may be directed to:
- Report to a designated campus assembly area;
- Shelter in place; or
- Relocate to an approved emergency shelter.
Students unable to reach campus must notify the University regarding their status and location.
Emergency Preparedness Recommendations
Students are encouraged to maintain an emergency preparedness kit containing:
- Bottled water
- Non-perishable food
- First aid supplies
- Prescription medications
- Flashlights
- Extra batteries
- Portable phone chargers
- Important personal documents
- Emergency cash
- Personal hygiene items
- Weather-appropriate clothing
Students should ensure passports, immigration documents, identification cards, and insurance information are stored in secure waterproof containers.
Health Insurance and Emergency Medical Care
All students are required to maintain health insurance coverage as required by University policy.
Students residing in Aruba are expected to maintain eligibility for the Aruban National Health Insurance Program (AZV) and comply with all University health insurance requirements.
Students should carry their health insurance identification cards at all times.
Responsibilities
Students, faculty, and staff are expected to:
- Participate in emergency preparedness training when required.
- Follow emergency instructions issued by the University.
- Report hazards, injuries, and emergencies promptly.
- Maintain current emergency contact information.
- Cooperate with emergency response personnel.
Policy Review
This policy shall be reviewed periodically and updated as necessary to ensure compliance with applicable laws, public health guidance, accreditation standards, and institutional needs.
Policy Contact
Dean of Student Affairs
Xavier University School of Veterinary Medicine
Aruba