Field Incident Response

First Steps, Vehicle Collisions, Firearm Incidents, Wildfire Preparedness, STARS

First Steps

1. Perform any needed first aid.
2. Contact the appropriate emergency medical services (e.g., local ambulance, STARS) if necessary for assistance and/or evacuation. Plan ahead to call STARS.
3. In case of a serious incident, call U of A Protective Services (UAPS) at 780-492-5050. This line is monitored 24/7 and accepts collect calls. UAPS will provide assistance in contacting others (e.g., the U of A emergency response team, Health, Safety and Environment (HSE), emergency contact numbers, etc.).

Report the incident online to HSE and, if applicable, to WCB.

Other Field-Related Incidents

University of Alberta Owned + Leased Motor Vehicle Collisions

• If a collision occurs off-campus, report it first to the police department/RCMP where the accident occurred.
• Report any vehicle damage to UAPS regardless of severity by phoning 780-492-5050 or visiting their office.

Firearm Incidents

Any incident involving a firearm noted in the Firearms Incident Reporting Procedure  must be reported via the Firearms Incident Reporting Form .

Wildfire Preparedness

It is crucial to review your Field Activity Plan and the locations you plan to travel through, stay or do field work in. You should decide BEFORE YOU GO whether it is viable and/or whether you should postpone your fieldwork.

Implement Wildfire Hazard Controls

• Monitor fire weather.
• Observe fire bans.
• Observe ministerial orders including evacuation orders.
• Check the Alberta Forest Offices map and speak with an officer who can let you know if it is permitted or if there are any evacuation orders. 
• Carry a fire extinguisher and shovel in your research vehicle at all times. 
• Report Alberta wildfires by calling 311-FIRE. 

Check out the online resources on the right to stay on top of wildfire resources and to develop your Emergency Response Plan. 

While out in the field, monitor local wildfires daily or hourly, dependent upon the conditions. If you voluntarily register for the Field Research Voluntary Registry , you will get emailed updates on wildfires in your area.

If a wildfire has affected your people, property or research activities, report the incident online.

If a wildfire breaks out in your area, report it to the particular province fire report line:

Provincial Fire Maps

STARS

The STARS Emergency Link Centre® is a 24-hour communications centre facilitating emergency medical response, referral and transport within Alberta and some portions of neighbouring provinces. The emergency number is 1-888-888-4567 or 1-403-299-0932 (from Iridium Satellite Phone) or #4567 (from a cellular phone or a GlobalStar Satellite Phone). To find more information, see STARS Emergency Services .

If in Alberta, pre-registering a worksite with STARS will significantly reduce the number of questions that will be asked at the time of an emergency call-in. See STARS details on registering a worksite . 

STARS now gives Landing Zone Instructions to customers. There is a STARS Landing Zone Instructional Video as well as a Land Zone Card .

STARS Frequently Asked Questions

Does STARS fly to the Northern United States?

No, STARS is not able to fly into the United States.

If researchers from the U of A are working outside of Canada (the Arctic, Northern US), can they register with STARS (the Arctic, Northern US) and call them in the event of an emergency, even if they don't send the helicopter?

Yes, STARS can provide limited services. Secure the local emergency numbers of where you are travelling.

Does U of A have to pay to register their site? What is the benefit of registering my site as opposed to just calling the 1-888 number in case of an emergency?

No, non-profit organizations are exempt from the $5.00/day registration fee for the temporary work-sites. By registering your site you will answer 25 questions when you register, not at the time of the emergency, saving valuable time.