Campus Amnesty Policies: A Critical Safety Net for Students
Alcohol-related emergencies may occur when you least expect them. Someone feels “off”. Someone gets sick one too many times. Someone’s breathing seems too slow or their lips are blueish. Someone doesn’t wake up when you try to shake them. In those moments, fear and uncertainty creep in. Am I overreacting? Will someone get in trouble if I call for help? Will I get in trouble if I call for help?
What makes these situations most dangerous is the hesitation to call for help.
Campus amnesty policies are designed to remove the fear of getting in trouble when a student calls for help in a serious situation. Amnesty policies protect students from university sanctions when they seek emergency medical assistance for themselves or others. Understanding your campus amnesty policy and trusting the policy in real-life situations may save a life.
The following scenarios highlight common situations college students encounter and illustrate how amnesty policies protect them and their friends.
Scenario 1
You have had a long finals week, and you decide to reward yourself by drinking the rest of the vodka seltzers in your fridge before going home for winter break. After drinking five cans, you start to vomit and feel very cold. Hours pass and you haven’t stopped vomiting. You have not had this type of reaction in the past. You are scared to call an ambulance because you don’t want to get in trouble for underage drinking, but you’re worried that you will soon be incapacitated.
What should you do?
Call help for yourself. It is important to get immediate medical attention. You are protected from university sanctions under your medical amnesty policy. You will not be punished for drinking underage.
Scenario 2
You are walking home late at night from a study session at the library. As you approach your apartment, you see someone lying on the grass alone. A girl, dressed for a night out, is passed out on the ground--presumably drunk. You know that you should call 911, but you are worried that she is underage and will get into trouble with the university for drinking.
What should you do?
Call emergency services. Under medical amnesty policies, any underage student who has a drinking-related medical emergency is protected from university sanctions.
Scenario 3
You are at a get-together at a friend’s apartment on campus. You and your friend Joel are underage, but you are still drinking beer with the rest of the group. After a few hours of drinking, Joel begins to feel sick and passes out. You notice that he is fading in and out of consciousness and breathing extremely slowly. You recognize his respiratory abnormality as a sign of alcohol poisoning. You want to call 911 for medical help, but you are scared that you’ll be punished by the university because you’ve also been drinking.
What should you do?
Call emergency services. Under medical amnesty policies, the caller is also immune to university sanctions, even if they have taken part in underage alcohol consumption, too. It is essential to get medical help for anyone with suspected alcohol poisoning.
Conclusion
Alcohol poisoning and medical emergencies don’t always look obvious but “waiting it out” can be dangerous. Amnesty policies are in place, so you or your friends never have to choose between someone’s safety and the fear of consequences.
Calling 911 might feel like a big step, but it can save a life. Whether it’s you, a friend, or someone you don’t know, getting help is always better than hoping things will improve on their own.
Trust your instincts. When in doubt, call for help. Your amnesty policy has your back.
Note: While all campus amnesty policies cover alcohol-related emergencies, many also protect students seeking help during drug-related emergencies—but coverage varies by school and situation – make sure you know the details about your school’s policy regarding drug-related emergencies.