When you suspect that a person is incapacitated as a result of alcohol or other drug use, it's best to treat the situation as a medical emergency. If it is possible, you may want to confer with campus staff members about a diagnosis of incapacitation, but it's best to take action quickly in order to be safe rather than sorry. If you come into contact with a person who you suspect is incapacitated, don't delay in following the procedures outlined below.
Responding to the Signs of Incapacitation
- Evaluate the situation:
- Check for obvious signs of imminent death, such as severe bleeding, stopped breathing, no heartbeat, etc.
- Check for other signs of an emergency such as convulsions, broken limbs, neck or back injury.
- If necessary, provide first aid emergency services:
- Check the airway and remove any obstructions.
- Check for bleeding.
- Treat for shock.
- Send a specific person to call for assistance, on campus call either
9-911 or x2222. The person making the call should give the following
information. He or she should:
- State their name,
- Explain the reason for the call,
- Identify the exact location of the incapacitated person,
- Give any other relevant details, and
- Stay on the phone until the dispatcher has all needed information.
- Post someone at the entrance of the building or street where the ambulance
or police will arrive. This person should:
- Help emergency workers locate the person needing assistance, and
- Assist emergency personnel as otherwise directed.
If Incapacitation is Evident But It's Not an Extreme Emergency
Evaluate the situation:
- Call campus or community police who will judge the seriousness of the situation.
- Stay with the person until police make a determination of incapacitation,
- Continue to check the person's vital signs until you are sure any danger has passed.
Document the Incident
To protect yourself from liability claims on an emergency situation that
you took action on, carefully document the situation, writing everything
you remember about the incident.
Reference: UW-Stevens Point Student Reaction Team Training Manual