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Blackfriars Hall > Our Community > Blackfriars Hall Student Information > What to do in an emergency

What to do in an emergency

Emergency assistance

The Control Desk of University Security Services offers 24-hour support in the event of an emergency; they can be contacted on (2)89999 and have contact details for various Blackfriars personnel if necessary.

All residents are advised they can contact both the Junior Dean Facilities (please see your Blackfriars House Rules sheet for their telephone number) and the Blackfriars Emergency Telephone line at 07522 467 313 – in the event of a fire or similar emergency as they will be able to provide or arrange the most immediate support if needed.

 First aid

A first aid box is available in the kitchen in each of our sites. First aid assistance is available through the Junior Deans, as well as from the Bursary during office hours.  (Please refer to your House Rules for these telephone numbers).

 Medical emergencies

In a medical emergency, dial 999 or 112 and ask for ambulance assistance.

Be prepared to give a precise address of the building where the incident has happened.  The addresses of our sites are:

  • 16 or 17 St John St, Oxford, OX1 2LQ
  • 33 St Giles, 3rd floor, Oxford, OX1 3LD.

 

Student Accommodation Code of Practice

In accordance with the Student Accommodation Code of Practice, Blackfriars Hall advises students to follow the steps below in the event of an emergency.

  • If you require an ambulance, the fire service or the police, dial 999 and ask for the service you want. Give as much information as you can, do not hang up until you are told to do so and follow the advice you are given. You can also call the Blackfriars Emergency Telephone at 07522 467 313 if on site in the Hall, for assistance.
  • Avoid confrontation – it’s better and safer to walk away if you are being provoked or hassled. If someone grabs your bag let it go – your safety is more important.
  • Remember to trust your instincts if you are uncomfortable in a taxi – if you are concerned, ask the driver to stop in a busy area, and get out of the car.
  • If you have been the victim of a crime it is vital to report the matter to the Police: ask a friend or member of the Blackfriars staff to help.
  • If you have been sexually assaulted or raped you can visit a Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC) who have specially trained experienced professionals who can give medical help and advice. They can store forensic results until the individual makes up their mind whether or not to report to the police and can support them through the immediate trauma. The SARC should be contacted before travelling; whilst they operate a 24 hour service they do need to ensure the relevant staff are available. Someone will need to accompany the individual to a SARC or arrange for someone else to do so, and ensure that the individual does not need to pay for transport: Blackfriars will cover the taxi fare of travelling to and from the SARC and the Bursary or welfare team can order a taxi. The nearest centres are at Swindon, Milton Keynes, and Slough.
  • In the event of a bomb threat – call 999 immediately if you have received any information relating to a possible bomb threat.  State your name and location clearly and follow the instructions.
  • In the event of a terror attack – run, hide and tell:

Run

  • Escape if you can
  • Consider the safest options
  • Is there a safe route? Run. If not, hide. Can you get there without exposing yourself to greater danger?
  • Insist others leave with you
  • Leave belongings behind

Hide

  • If you can’t run, hide
  • Find cover from gunfire. If you can see the attacker, they may be able to see you. Cover from view does not mean you are safe, bullets go through glass, brick, wood and metal. Find cover from gunfire e.g. substantial brickwork / heavy reinforced walls
  • Be aware of your exits
  • Try not to get trapped
  • Be quiet, silence your phone
  • Lock / barricade yourself in
  • Move away from the door

Tell

  • Call 999
  • What do the police need to know?
    • Location – Where are the suspects?
    • Direction – Where did you last see the suspects?
    • Descriptions – Describe the attacker, numbers, features, clothing, weapons etc.
    • Further information – Casualties, type of injury, building information, entrances, exits, hostages etc.
    • Stop other people entering the building if it is safe to do so.

 

The police can be contacted 24 hours a day on 08458 505 505.  When you phone, tell them that you are calling from Oxford. The police’s emergency site in Oxford is on St Aldate’s.

 Remember: If you have experienced an incident, please report it.