Symptoms of acute alcohol intoxication (AKA alcohol poisoning or alcohol overdose):

• Inability to stand or walk, or can only do so with difficulty
• Only vaguely aware of surroundings
• Difficulty breathing
  • Breath is slowed or irregular – (eight or less breaths per minute) or lapses in breathing of more than 10 seconds
• Unconscious, semi-conscious, “passed out” or in a stupor
• Feverish or chilled
• Cold, clammy or pale/bluish skin
• Difficulty speaking or identifying oneself to others
• Vomiting
  • Repeated episodes of vomiting
  • Vomiting while “sleeping” or passed out, and not waking up after vomiting

These symptoms often occur after consumption—or chugging— of a large quantity of alcohol, or after ingesting other sedating or tranquilizing drugs.

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Appropriate Action

If you encounter a person who exhibits one or more of these symptoms, call Public Safety at 201-684-6666, 911, or an RA. While waiting for medical transport, gently turn the intoxicated person on their side and maintain that position by placing a pillow in the small of the person’s back to prevent aspiration should they vomit. Stay with the person until medical help arrives.

Ramapo Good Samaritan Policy

Objective:   To save lives and acknowledge that student health and welfare are essential.

Philosophy Statement:  The health and safety of students as it relates to critical incidents regarding alcohol, cannabis, and other drug use, misuse, and abuse are of paramount concern; especially when an individual is in need of timely medical assistance.  Individuals must never hesitate to contact authorities when they suspect they themselves, another student, or a non-student is in need of urgent medical care stemming from their use of alcohol, cannabis, or other drugs because they are concerned that the incident may lead to disciplinary actions for themselves or others.

In case of emergency students must call the Public Safety Department, (201) 684-6666, a Resident Assistant, or dial 911 from a cell phone.

Full Amnesty:  Violations of the Code of Conduct that fall under this policy will be referred to the Office of Student Conduct but not issued any formal sanctions or actions. A student conduct hearing will be scheduled with the involved student(s) to discuss the incident and the Code of Conduct. The Hearing Officer may make recommendations to the student(s) that include education and/or intervention through the Center for Health and Counseling Services. In cases where the student is transported to a hospital for a medical evaluation, an alcohol and/or other drug assessment with the Center for Health and Counseling Services will be strongly encouraged and the student may expect a counselor to follow up with them depending on the results of the assessment.