Medical Amnesty Policy ("Map")

Providing the path to help yourself and friends

I. Philosophy

a. The health and safety of members of the Montclair State University community is of paramount concern.

b. Students need to seek immediate medical attention for themselves or others when someone’s health and/or safety are at risk.

c. Students may be reluctant to seek assistance for themselves or someone else for fear of facing action from the University conduct process.

d. Montclair State University seeks to remove barriers that prevent students from seeking the medical attention they need in emergency situations.

II. Policy

a. Students who seek emergency medical attention for themselves or for whom medical assistance was sought related to consumption of alcohol will not be charged with violations of the Montclair State University Code of Conduct associated with that consumption (specifically: Section II, Letter B.), provided they comply with the following conditions:


I. The student subsequently completes an evaluation, ECHO, and any recommended treatment at the University Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) Center.

II. This follow-up must be completed within a time frame determined by the University.

III. Failure to complete this evaluation/treatment may result in discipline charges filed with the Office of Student Conduct.

b. Students who seek emergency medical attention for someone else will not be charged with violations of the Montclair State University Code of Conduct related to consumption of alcohol or intoxication (specifically: Section II, Letter B.), provided that the student subsequently participates in a meeting with and complies with all recommended stipulations established by the University Coordinator of Student Conduct .

c. Student organizations who wish to employ the “MAP” will be determined on a case-by-case basis.

d. The “MAP” applies only to those students or organizations who seek emergency medical assistance in connection with alcohol and does not apply to individuals experiencing an alcohol medical emergency who are found by University employees. (i.e. University Police, faculty, administrative staff, community directors, community assistants, etc…)

e. The Montclair State University “MAP” is not intended to shield or protect those students or organizations that repeatedly violate the Code of Conduct. In cases where repeated violations of the Montclair State University Code of Conduct occur, the University reserves the right to take disciplinary action on a case by case basis regardless of the manner in which the incident is reported. Additionally the University reserves the right to adjudicate any case in which the violations are determined by the University in its sole discretion to be egregious.

f. The Office of Student Conduct reserves the right to contact any student to discuss an incident whether or not the Montclair State University Medical Amnesty Policy (MAP) is in effect.

g. Information concerning students who utilize the “MAP” is confidential, but will be recorded for case management purposes.

h. The “MAP” does not preclude students from being held responsible for other violations of the Code of Conduct.

i. Parental Notification will still apply if applicable under the University Parental Notification Policy.

(Note: This Policy only provides amnesty from violations of the Montclair State University Student Code of Conduct. It does not grant forgiveness for criminal, civil, or legal consequences for violations of Federal, State, or Local law. However, the “911 Lifeline Legislation “approved on October 1, 2009, P.L.2009, c.133does allow for underage individuals to receive amnesty in accordance with the provisions of the law. Individuals must stay on scene and assist responders with information concerning the at-risk individual to comply with the law.)

Adopted on 11/4/2009

On Campus: Call Montclair State University Police –

• x5222 from any campus phone
• 973-655-5222 from a cell phone or non-campus phone
• Blue Light Phone: press the button
• 911 from any phone if off-campus

Alcohol Emergency Information

How to help a friend who has had too much to drink

Alcohol poisoning can be fatal. If someone has had too much to drink or gets hurt while drinking, call for help immediately and stay with the person until help arrives.

In cases of a potential head injury, even if the person regains consciousness, he or she must be evaluated immediately.

Signs of alcohol poisoning

• Vomiting, vomiting while passed out, not waking up after vomiting, or incoherent while vomiting.
• Inability to rouse the person with loud shouting or vigorous shaking.
• Inability of a person who was passed out to stay awake for more than 2-3 minutes.
• Slow or irregular breathing or lapses in breathing.
• Weak pulse, very rapid pulse, or very slow pulse.
• Cold, clammy, or bluish skin.

What to do

• Call for help by calling Montclair State Police (see above).
• Stay with the person until help arrives.
  
• Turn the person on his/her side to prevent choking if the person vomits. Do not think that is all you need to do – call for help!
• Be prepared to give the emergency medical personnel as much information as possible, including any drugs or medications taken.

What NOT to do

• Don’t just let them "sleep it off." Get medical help.
• Do not hesitate to call for help (see above). Drinking to intoxication is a Medical issue and the person's life is in danger. Better to be safe than sorry.
• Do not leave the person alone. The person may seem to be okay, but the alcohol ingested may take some time to be absorbed before peak levels are reached in the brain.
• Do not leave the person lying on his/her back.
• Do not try to give the person anything to eat or drink.
• Do not put the person in a cold shower. The person could fall or the shock could make him/her pass out.
  

Adapted from Lehigh University with permission