What happens when SLU EMS shows up?

Many students have a mixed understanding of what actually happens when SLU EMS shows up, whether requested or not. SLU EMS is here to help the students of St. Lawrence and by no means to enforce the rules or to reprimand those that have broken them. SLU EMS cares only for the condition of the patient and their well-being. When on scene we carefully evaluate the patient by criteria set by the State of New York. Since SLU EMS is bound by strict laws, all information regarding the call is confidential. Therefore it is essential that the patient answer all questions honestly. That being said, feel free to call for help anytime and every time that SLU EMS may be or is needed. There is always an EMT on-duty 24/7 during the school year and if needed the local rescue squad isn't too far away.

If I'm under 21 and I've Been Drinking, Can I Get Trouble?

The online Student Handbook states:

The health and safety of students is a top priority. No punitive or disciplinary action will be taken against students as a result of them seeking treatment or other medical attention for themselves or for another student who takes ill as a result of alcohol consumption.

This policy does not, however, completely protect you from legal action. Should there be other illegal substances present, SLU Security can still notify Canton Police.

If I'm Not In Trouble, Why Do SLU Security and the Police Respond?

On the vast majority of our calls, SLU Security Officers are dispatched along with our crews. This is to ensure both the safety of the patient and the safety of our providers. Occasionally, due to the nature of the incident, either SLU Security or SLU EMS will request that Law Enforcement Officers respond as well. We work closely with the SLU Safety and Security Department, the Canton Police Department, the St. Lawrence County Sheriff's Department, and the New York State Police to ensure that their involvement does not inhibit patient care. It is important to remember that just because Security and Law Enforcement are present, it does not mean you are in trouble with J-Board or the Police.

You Have the Rights As A Patient:

1. You have the right to receive emergency care if you need or request it.
2. You have the right to receive treatment without discrimination as to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, or sexual orientation.
3. You have the right to receive considerate and respectful care in a clean and safe environment free of unnecessary restraints.
4. You have the right to know the names, positions and functions of any SLU EMS staff involved in your care and, in many circumstances, refuse their treatment, examination or observation.
5. You have to be informed of the treatment you receive and complete information about your presenting problem.
6. You have the right to receive all information to give informed consent for any proposed procedure or treatment. This information shall include the possible risks and benefits of the procedure or treatment.
7. You may have the right to refuse treatment and be told what effect this may have on your health.
8. You may have the right to refuse transport by ambulance and be told what this effect may have on your health.
9. You have the right to complain without fear of reprisal and to have SLU EMS respond to you and, if you request it, receive a written response.

Who knows that SLU EMS has been called?

When you call the Safety and Security Dispatch center, your information is taken solely to Dispatch the appropriate resources. When SLU EMS is dispatched, we are given information such as:

"SLU EMS: Respond to 78 Park St. for a 19 year-old male with a hand injury."

You name will not be given out over our paging system or radio unless it is considered absolutely necessary for your own safety (such as a missing persons situation). This is to prevent anyone with unauthorized access from knowing the patient's identity.

From the moment you call our Dispatcher, all EMS personnel are bound by strict Federal, State and Local laws that stipulate that any patient contact and patient information is strictly privileged and confidential. None of your personal information written on our Pre-Hospital Care Report (PCR) is available to the public. The only people who have access to this are SLU EMS providers on-scene, the SLU EMS Supervisors (for the purposes of filing paperwork), and, if needed, providers from Canton Rescue and the receiving hospital.

How did my parents find out I was transported to the hospital?

While SLU EMS is bound by strict laws, the University is not bound by the same laws. St. Lawrence University has retained the right to contact your parents should you be transported to the hospital. SLU EMS is not involved in contacting your parents. A SLU Security Officer collects the relevant information from you and relays this information to the relevant University staff members.

Do I get charged if SLU EMS is called?

No. Our services are free. However, should you require or request advanced medical treatment known as Advanced Life Support (ALS) or transport to the hospital, the agencies providing these services may bill you. If you have health insurance, it will most likely cover these fees.

How do I get home from the Hospital?

SLU Safety and Security has a student driver on-call 24/7 during academic year. When you are finished at the hospital, you can call the Safety and Security Dispatcher at (315) 229-5554 and ask for the student driver to pick you up from the hospital and take you back to campus. This service is provided free of charge to SLU student.

The student driver can also drive SLU Students to and from doctor appointments and pharmacies. However, doctor and pharmacy services need to be requested about a day in advance by calling (315) 229-5554.