Good Samaritan Policy / Medical Amnesty Policy
Gwynedd Mercy University is committed to providing a living / learning community that employs educational processes to promote the health and safety of all students and sustain a climate conducive to their personal growth and development . Student wellness is of primary concern . Therefore , the Good Samaritan / Medical Amnesty Policy has been developed to reduce harmful alcohol and other related drug effects . When students decide to drink or engage in drug use , the University expects that they do so in a responsible and legal manner . However , the University recognizes that there may be times when students experience severe intoxication or serious injury relating to alcohol , cannabis , and / or other drug use . Under those circumstances , Gwynedd Mercy University expects students to call for medical assistance . The University is committed to ensuring that all situations are handled with competence and compassion and prioritize safety over policy violation .
Policy Gwynedd Mercy University strongly encourages students to seek and use medical assistance for themselves or others during emergency situations when they are dangerously under the influence of alcohol , cannabis , or drugs . No student seeking medical treatment for themselves , others , or accepting medical treatment as a result of a Good Samaritan / Medical Amnesty report , for the effects of cannabis , alcohol , or other drug use , will be subject to University discipline for violating the Alcohol or Other Drug policy . Medical Amnesty may be granted to an intoxicated student ; however , the student will be required to complete the necessary requirements ( outlined below ) including participating in the University ’ s R . A . I . S . E . ( Reducing Alcohol Incidents through Student Education ) program .
Description of Emergency Situations
• All students are strongly encouraged to call for assistance ( e . g ., Public Safety , Resident Assistant , 911 , etc .) for themselves or others during situations where they are dangerously under the influence of alcohol or drugs .
• Signs and / or symptoms of excessive alcohol consumption may include , but are not limited to : o Vomiting o Confusion , stupor o Slow or irregular breathing o Low body temperature o Unconsciousness ( Passing Out )
• Signs and / or symptoms of cannabis overdose may include , but are not limited to : o Frequent vomiting o Psychiatric response : panic attacks , hallucinations , or paranoia o Uncontrollable shaking or seizures o Unresponsiveness o Chest pain o Sudden high blood pressure with headache
• Signs and / or symptoms of other drugs may include , but are not limited to : o Unresponsiveness o Severe abdominal cramping o Difficulty or labored breathing o Seizures o Blue or pale skin o Blood pressure or body temperature extremes
In some cases , an individual may not display “ classic signs and / or symptoms .” However , if a student suspects someone may have consumed an excessive amount of alcohol , cannabis , and / or other drugs , they should err on the side of caution and seek emergency assistance .
Requirements for Good Samaritan / Medical Amnesty : To qualify for Good Samaritan / Medical Amnesty , a student must :
1 . Seek and use medical attention at the time of the incident or receive medical attention as a result of a Good Samaritan / Medical Amnesty report .
2 . Contact Residence Life professional staff or the Vice President for Student Services and Dean of Students within 48 hours to schedule an appointment concerning the incident .
3 . Meet with Residence Life professional staff or the Vice President for Student Services and Dean of Students within 5-7 days of the incident ;
4 . Comply with the conditions set forth during the meeting with the Residence Life professional staff or the Vice President for Student Services and Dean of Students and within the given timeframe . The student will be required to participate in the University ’ s R . A . I . S . E . Program and must complete the program within the timeframe established by the University AOD Counselor .
A student fulfilling all the required conditions set forth above will not be subject to an Alcohol or Other Drug policy violation under the 53