Emergency and Non-Emergency Interventions
EMERGENCY:
- Call Campus Security: (626) 395-5000 for immediate response or 911 if off campus
CUSP Signs of Alcohol Poisioning
- Cold, clammy, pale, or bluish skin
- Unconscious or unable to be roused
- Slow or irregular breathing
- Puking (vomiting) repeatedly or uncontrollably
If you come across a peer who is experiencing these symptoms, it is important to GET HELP! Even if you have been drinking yourself, please call for help: remember the Good Samaritan policy.
- Call Caltech Security (626) 395-5000 (x5000) or 911 if off campus.
- Turn the person on their side to maintain an open airway and prevent aspiration on vomit.
- Try to keep the person awake.
- Stay with the person until medical support arrives.
- Do not give the person food or water.
Signs of Overdose
- Unconsciousness or inability to awaken
- Slow or shallow breathing or difficulty breathing such as choking sounds or a gurgling/snoring noise from a person who cannot be awakened
- Discolored skin (especially in nails or lips)
- Small, constricted "pinpoint pupils" that don't react to light
All alcohol and drug-use choices have consequences. Research shows various factors influence whether those consequences are positive or negative (for self, others, and community). The risk for negative outcomes begins at small doses and typically increases with the amount consumed (Dose-Response relationship).
An overdose occurs when a substance overwhelms the body's ability to function. While not always fatal, overdoses generally have better outcomes with prompt bystander intervention and support.
Intoxication Intervention Scale
Don't let small problems become big problems. Intervene and seek support.
| Signs of Intoxication | Call to Action |
|---|---|
|
CUSP: Cold Skin, Unresponsive, Unconscious* Slow Breathing Puking repeatedly |
Call for medical assistance: Call Campus Security (626) 395-5000 for immediate help. Put in the recovery position. Assist first responders. Stay with them. Check in after. |
|
Incoherent* Aggressive Harassing |
Get them home: Be direct and firm. Get others to help escort them from the event. Keep yourself safe. |
|
Confused* Dozing, Sleeping* Vomiting* |
Cut them off: Trust your gut. Confront the situation. Alert others and be clear and consistent. |
|
Unsteady, Stumbling* Slurring More impulsive |
Slow them down: Redirect their attention. Offer food, water, activities, and socializing. |
|
Aware Relaxed Mindful |
Reinforce their game plan: Name goals and boundaires. Keep checking in. Know where they’re at. |
*Behaviors that signal incapacitation. Incapacitation is being unable to understand the fact, nature, or extent of the sexual activity and/or being unable to consent due to the influence of drugs, alcohol, or medication.
*If Campus Security responds, bystanders are protected by the Caltech Good Samaritan Policy.