College move-in day is getting closer, and whether this is your child’s first year or fifth, I’m sure you are having a number of “talks” before they go. You’ve set expectations about academics, explained how important it is to get a good night’s sleep, asked them to remember to check in a few times a week and reminded them that they need to actually wash their sheets!
But more important than any of the above, they need to make good decisions when they are out with their friends.
The reality is that they will be heading out to parties, bars…and more parties. They could find themselves in a situation where they, or a friend, have had too much to drink and are in distress. Alcohol-related emergencies are common on campuses, and students may hesitate to call 911 out of fear that they will get in trouble.
Good Samaritan Laws and Medical Amnesty Policies remove that barrier.
What are Good Samaritan Laws and Medical Amnesty Policies?
They are state laws and school-based policies, respectively, designed to protect students facing a potentially life-threatening situation. Students are encouraged to immediately call for medical help for someone they believe could be suffering from alcohol poisoning or is overdosing - without fear of getting charged with underage drinking or violating campus codes of conduct.
What Students Need to Do in Order to be Protected?
State laws and school policies may vary, but generally, if your student believes someone’s life is at risk, they must:
- Be the first person to call for help
- Give their real name and be truthful about the situation
- Stay with the person in distress until help arrives
- Fully cooperate with first responders
In these situations, both the caller and the person experiencing the medical emergency will be protected from criminal charges and/or school discipline. Depending on the applicable state law or school policy, the students may have to complete an alcohol education class to maintain this protection.
What Is NOT Protected?
- Repeated violations or other serious offenses like hazing, assault, or distribution of drugs.
- Failing to call for help immediately and first trying to “cover it up.”
- Non-medical issues like academic dishonesty or vandalism.
Final Thoughts
You can’t control everything your student does at college. But you can give them guidance to make good decisions and act responsibly in a crisis. Take some time and help them research their college’s policies and the state’s Good Samaritan Law so they are fully prepared if they ever find themselves in a situation where they need to make that call.
Getting help is always the right call.
