The Associated Press
ALLENTOWN, Pa. — Lehigh University has adopted a “good Samaritan” policy intended to calm some students’ fears about calling for help in cases of intoxication.
The policy says students cannot be in violation of Lehigh’s code of conduct if they seek emergency medical attention for alcohol or illegal drugs, and students who call an ambulance for their passed-out friends can no longer get in trouble with the university if they are drunk or underage. Those under the influence of drugs are similarly protected.
On a typical Friday night, Angela Pozza, a licensed Emergency Medical Technician and captain of Lehigh’s student ambulance squad, said she treats three students who are stumbling, throwing up and passing out.
Pozza estimates at least three times that many don’t get help because their friends are afraid of getting in trouble if they call an ambulance. “Their roomies just bring them back to the room and let them pass out,” she said. “It’s disturbing.”