Document Type

Article

Publication Title

The Journal of Collegiate Emergency Medical Services

Abstract

Background: Management of intoxicated undergraduate students is challenging for higher education institutions. Refusal of care can be problematic due to the intoxicated undergraduate students’ lack of decision-making capacity. This study’s objective was to compare existing and desired transport policies for intoxicated undergraduate students among collegiate EMS agencies. Methods: A thirteen-question online survey was sent via e-mail to the medical directors of the 232 undergraduate emergency medical services agencies listed in the database of the National Collegiate Emergency Medical Services Foundation (NCEMSF). The e-mail provided a link to complete the survey. Follow-up phone calls and e-mails were performed after the initial email to assist with survey completion. The study occurred from April 2013 to March 2014. All of the responses were anonymous, and participation in the survey was voluntary. Responses for questions were totaled and percentages were calculated. Written responses were also reviewed. Two-sided tests of significance (p < 0.05) were performed on preference for transport policy. Results: The survey was sent to 232 agencies with 99 responding and 67 had an active undergraduate emergency medical services agency. Twenty-four percent require transport to the nearest emergency department (ED) (Option A); 24% allow for refusal of care with medical command (Option B); 48% allow for refusal of care without medical command (Option C); and 4% stated that the patient must be transported to a location other than the nearest ED (Option D). Among the 20 agencies who desired a change in current transport polices to preferred ones, there was a significant increase observed in preference toward medical command input (p = 0.03). Twenty percent stated that laws prevented policy modification. The policies or wishes of higher education institutions made alterations challenging in 50% of agencies. Conclusion: Variation in policies suggest that higher education institutions may have specific needs due to their unique campus operations and/or differences in state and local laws. Thirty percent of responding collegiate EMS agencies desired to change their transport policies. Further research should determine the specific barriers to implementing the preferred transportation policy of the medical director as well as the advantages and disadvantages of the various transport policies.

DOI

10.30542/JCEMS.2022.05.02.03

Publication Date

11-30-2022

Keywords

collegiate-based emergency medical services, intoxication, transport

ISSN

2576-3695

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