Medical Accidents & Incidents
Grand Valley State University's insurance programs do not provide medical coverage for students, visitors, or volunteers. Medical expenses are not paid by the University solely because an injury or illness occurred during a University-sponsored activity, educational opportunity, or other event, whether on or off campus.
Faculty and staff are not authorized to promise or guarantee payment of medical expenses on behalf of the University.
Individuals should submit medical expenses to their own health insurance carrier. If an individual, or his/her health insurance carrier has any questions around Coordination of Benefits (COBs), either party can contact Risk Management at [email protected] or 616-331-9517.
Are faculty and staff expected to call 911 during a medical event?
Yes. Faculty and staff should call 911 when an individual experiences a medical emergency or becomes unresponsive. Staff are not medical professionals and should not attempt to assess, minimize, or manage emergency medical situations independently.
Does knowledge of a person’s diagnosis or medical history change this requirement?
No. Knowledge of an individual’s diagnosis, underlying condition, or frequency of prior incidents does not change the instruction to call 911. Emergency response decisions should be based on the observed condition at the time of the incident, not on past history.
Can an individual with a chronic health issue instruct faculty or staff not to call EMS?
No. Even if an individual requests that ambulances not be called, faculty and staff are not empowered to agree to that request. Calling EMS ensures that trained medical professionals assess the situation and make determinations regarding care, which is essential to meeting the university’s duty of care.
Will the person receive a bill if EMS are called?
Possibly. EMS billing practices depend on the responding ambulance provider and the care provided on scene. The university does not control who the 911 system calls in, or the EMS providers’ billing decisions.
Do we know whether someone will receive a bill?
No. If the individual is alert, has decision-making capacity, and verbally declines assessment and treatment EMS is likely to document the refusal and depart without billing. If the individual is unconscious, or deemed unable to make an informed decision, or accepts treatment (regardless of where treatment is provided, or transport is given), EMS will likely issue a bill.
Does the university have a say in the providers’ billing procedures?
No. GVSU doesn’t control which EMS service responds or the billing protocols of those companies.
Does the university receive any financial or other incentive from the EMS companies?
No.