Good Samaritan Policy

The College holds a fundamental commitment to the safety of its community.  It is vital for students to call Emergency Medical Services by dialing 911 when a student needs medical help.  The “Good Samaritan Policy” offers a clear message to students that they should report any potentially dangerous cases of intoxication, drug overdose or medical emergencies; they should not be concerned about disciplinary consequences at such a time. 

The Good Samaritan Policy is as follows:

Students or student organizations that seek emergency attention for dangerously intoxicated/overdosed or ill individuals will not be subject to punitive college disciplinary sanctions.  This policy applies both to the person requiring help and the person or organization reporting their concern.  When students encounter another person who may be dangerously intoxicated, overdosed or ill, they have a responsibility to call EMS by dialing 9-911 from a College phone or 911 from a cell phone.  After calling EMS, the student or organization should immediately notify a person in a position of authority at the College such as an RA, RHC, Night Monitor, or a University Police Officer to report the emergency.

Any student or student organization who, in good faith and in a timely manner, seeks emergency medical assistance for a person who reasonably appears to be experiencing an overdose from alcohol or drugs may not be held responsible for a violation of prohibited alcohol or drug related conduct only, as defined in the PSC Student Conduct Code, if the student or student organization does all of the following:

(1)  Remains with the person who reasonably appears to be in need of emergency medical assistance due to an overdose until such assistance is provided;

(2)  Identifies himself or herself, if requested by emergency medical assistance personnel, law-enforcement officers, or University officials;

(3)  Cooperates with and provides any relevant information requested by emergency medical assistance personnel, law-enforcement officers, or University officials needed to treat the person reasonably believed to be experiencing an overdose; and

(4)  Completes any additional conditions imposed on the student or student organization by the Student Code Administrator.

If the person who reasonably appears to be experiencing an overdose from alcohol or drugs is also a student, he or she will not be held responsible for a violation of prohibited alcohol or drug related conduct, as defined in the PSC Student Conduct Code, but may be required to complete additional conditions imposed by the Student Code Administrator in order to receive amnesty. 

Additional alcohol and drug education resources can be found at  WellWVU . 

This provision only applies to violations of the PSC Student Conduct Code. As it relates to any criminal prosecution, students should see the West Virginia Alcohol and Drug Overdose Prevention and Clemency Act, W. Va. Code §§ 16-47-1 to -6, which can be found here:  http://www.legis.state.wv.us/wvcode/Code.cfm?chap=16&art=47#47

In situations where a student’s life may be in jeopardy, College personnel may contact the student’s parents as a health precaution and may require a professional alcohol/drug evaluation to return to the residential community.

This policy refers to isolated incidents only and does not protect those students from punitive judicial sanctions who choose to flagrantly and repeatedly violate the College’s alcohol/drug policies.

If you fail to immediately report such incidents you are seriously endangering the life of another person(s). If that student is incapacitated or dies as a result of you taking no action you may face criminal and civil legal action from the student or his/her family.

The College can’t stress enough the value we place on human life and the importance of you getting help for persons who are in need of medical attention.  Please don’t run away from or turn your back on a sick or injured person.  Do the right thing and call for help.