Medical Emergency Protocol for Drugs and Alcohol
[Medical Emergency Protocol for Drugs and Alcohol Poster]
Philosophy
Boise State University cares about the health and safety of its community members. When a student has consumed drugs and/or alcohol, a situation may arise whereby emergency medical assistance is needed immediately. While all students should understand their rights and responsibilities as outlined in the Student Code of Conduct, the University recognizes that some students may be reluctant to seek help for themselves or others, even though someone’s health and safety is at risk, for fear of facing student disciplinary action when alcohol or drugs have been used.
This protocol embraces Boise State University’s effort to demonstrate the Shared Value of Caring by reducing harmful consequences that may be caused by the consumption of alcohol and/or drugs. The University does not condone the illegal use of drugs by students, faculty or staff or the consumption of alcohol by those under the age of 21. It is, however, committed to increasing the occurrence university community members will call for medical assistance when faced with an alcohol or drug-related emergency.
This protocol is intended to notify students that Student Code of Conduct charges may not be filed against them for drug and/or alcohol policy violations if they act in a responsible manner by seeking emergency medical assistance in alcohol or drug-related emergencies. This protocol is not intended, however, to enable or ignore problematic behaviors relating to substance use. Therefore, this protocol will promote and support education and assistance for individuals who seek emergency medical attention related to the use of alcohol and/or drugs in order to reduce the likelihood of future occurrences.
Scope of Protocol
The Boise State University Medical Emergency Protocol only provides relief to students who may have violated the Student Code of Conduct for drugs and/or alcohol. It does not grant amnesty or relief from criminal, civil, or legal consequences for violations of Federal, State, or local laws.
The Medical Emergency Protocol is not intended to shield or protect those students who repeatedly violate the Student Code of Conduct for drug or alcohol violations. In cases where repeat violations occur, the University reserves the right to take disciplinary action on an individual basis regardless of the manner in which the incident was reported. In addition, the University reserves the right to adjudicate any event in which the incidents are serious. Disciplinary relief applies only to alcohol or other drug-related medical emergencies but does not apply to other prohibited conduct such as assaults, sexual misconduct, property damage or distribution of illicit substances. This Protocol also only applies to those students who seek emergency medical assistance in connection with an alcohol or drug-related medical emergency. The protocol may not apply to individuals experiencing an alcohol or drug-related medical emergency who are found by university employees (i.e.—Campus Security, residence hall staff, etc).
Protocol
Students Seeking Help for Self
Students who seek emergency medical attention for themselves related to consumption of drugs or alcohol will not be charged with violations of the Student Code of Conduct for drugs and/or alcohol, provided the student subsequently complies with conditions made as a result of the review of the incident by the Office of Student Rights & Responsibilities. Failure to comply with the conditions will void the terms above and may result in further university administrative action.
Students Seeking Help for Others
Students are encouraged to demonstrate responsible, caring behavior by seeking out emergency medical assistance when another individual is in need of assistance. Students who seek emergency medical attention for someone else will not be charged with violations of the Student Code of Conduct for drugs and/or alcohol. The student for whom the emergency medical attention is requested will also be eligible to have student conduct charges waived for drugs and/or alcohol. Students will have to subsequently comply with conditions made as a result of the review of the incident by the Office of Student Rights & Responsibilities. Failure to comply with the conditions will void the terms above and may result in further university administrative action.
(Note—This policy has copied, with permission, verbiage from the following institutions: Lehigh University, Cornell University, Emory University and Idaho State University.)
Last Revised: September 2010