STEP UP - SAVE A LIFE!
Bystander intervention can save a person’s life, whether you know that person or not, or whether you were present when they consumed alcohol or other drugs or not.? Often in a group, people assume someone else will step in and realize too late they should have acted.? It only takes one person to step in and make a difference.
You can act to prevent an overdose death.
- You can learn the signs of an overdose and call 911 when you see them
- Unresponsive to voice or being shaken
- Slow, shallow, or stopped breathing or heartbeat
- Gurgling, gasping, or snoring noises
- Cold/clammy skin
- Blueish/greyish skin, nails, or lips
- Anyone can carry and administer Narcan to assist someone experiencing an overdose and potentially save a life.
- Protection from liability when?helping someone.
- ?New Hampshire’s Good Samaritan Law (RSA 318-B:28-b):?You are protected from liability for helping someone in good faith who is suffering from an overdose through the state of New Hampshire Good Samaritan law.??This law?allows people to call 911 without fear of arrest if they are having a drug overdose that requires emergency medical care or if they witness someone overdosing. ?In NH, a person is not civilly liable for using of Narcan in good faith, under RSA 508:12, Aid at Scene of Emergency or to Victim of Crime. In New Hampshire calling 911 will not lead to arrest or prosecution due to a simple drug possession.
- ?Amnesty Through Responsibility Action Protocol:?The University recognizes the barrier created by a student’s perceived fear of consequences if they or their peers are involved in serious or life-threatening situations as a result of alcohol or drug consumption. In an effort to promote a culture of communal care, the University has adopted a Responsible Action Protocol.?If the individuals involved take immediate steps to report or seek out emergency medical assistance, this provision grants amnesty to student bystanders, witnesses and the impaired individual and shields them from disciplinary action through the conduct process.?If you or someone you know is concerned about getting into trouble with the University for being in the presence, or under the influence of substances when responding to overdose, you are not at risk for a conduct violation at UNH when proactively calling for help. Know that the most important thing is to get help for someone and potentially save a life.? Learn more about the here (link to tab below)
