"Serious injury or illness" means any injury or illness occurring in a place of employment or in connection with any employment which requires inpatient hospitalization for a period in excess of 24 hours for other than medical observation or in which an employee suffers a loss of any member of the body or suffers any serious degree of permanent disfigurement, but does not include any injury or illness or death caused by the commission of a Penal Code violation, except the violation of Section 385 of the Penal Code, or an accident on a public street or highway.

In life or limb threatening situations, the issue is not whether the condition or injury is work- related, but the health and well-being of the employee is the primary concern. Should it later be proven that the condition or injury was not work-related; there are other insurance coverage's to provide payment for the medical treatment bills that resulted from the emergency treatment.

These procedures are designed to help guide the supervisor through emergency situations. We must ensure the highest level of treatment for an injured employee and reduce problems that may arise after the emergency is over with regards to reporting issues and processing of bills. These procedures are to be followed, however, if the procedure does not meet the needs of the immediate emergency, then THE SUPERVISOR SHALL TAKE WHATEVER STEPS ARE NECESSARY TO PROTECT THE EMPLOYEE AND PROVIDE ANY EMERGENCY TREATMENT NECESSARY DURING THE EMERGENCY.

In cases of emergency (immediate danger or doubt about an employee’s condition), CALL 911. If the paramedics determine that the employee needs to be transported to a medical   facility, be sure to send along a completed Medical Service Order.

HOSPITAL EMERGENCY ROOMS

Employees should be sent to a designated Industrial Medical Facility whenever possible. If the injury is such that it require immediate medical treatment than emergency services/hospitals can be called. Most approved designated Industrial Medical Facilities have emergency rooms that cover for them when their  facilities are closed.

Refer to the list of authorized medical treatment    facilities and emergency hospitals on Work Force   Exchange. It is recommended that you have a listing of those facilities located in and around your work area for immediate referral if needed. It is a good idea to check with the designated facility to ascertain their current hours. Some facilities have extended hours. Emergency room costs are additional expenses to the County, and all supervisors should exercise judgment in determining whether these costs are necessary to meet the requirements of providing medical treatment in industrial cases.

Please contact the Workers’ Compensation Division, if possible, for approval before filing out a Medical    Service Order for an emergency hospital. No emergency room care will be paid for when other approved care is available. The employee will be held responsible for self-procured treatment. Self-procured treatment means medical care not authorized by the County of Riverside, Workers’  Compensation Division.        

EMPLOYEES WHO SELF-PROCURE MEDICAL TREATMENT WILL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR PAYMENT OF ALL CHARGES.

In the event an employee dies at work [even if it is not work-related] immediately contact and report the death to:

Workers’ Compensation Division at

951-955-3530 or 951-955-5864

And

The Safety Division Office at 951-955-3520