Medical Emergency Assistance Program
MEA Philosophy
"I will be a responsible member of the OHIO Community."
- The health and safety of the members of the Ohio University is of primary concern.
- Students need to seek immediate medical attention for themselves or others when someon'e health and/or safety is at risk.
- Students may be reluctant to seek assistance for themselves or others for fear of facing student conduct charges.
- Ohio University wants to remove the perceived barriers that prevent students from seeking immediate medical attention.
Why has Ohio University established a Medical Emergency Assitance (MEA) Program?
The MEA protocol is part of Ohio University's comprehensive environmental approach to address high-risk behaviors. It has been designed for the student who is concerned for the well-being of a fellow student. MEA enables Ohio University to more effectively address the issue of civility and good citizenship with our students. Students are encouraged to come to the aid of fellow students who are suffering a medical emergency.
Does this mean that Ohio University encourages high-risk drinking?
No. Ohio University recognizes that students sometimes make high-risk choices about the use of alcohol and other drugs. If a medical emergency is the result of the high-risk choice, the university wants the student to get the required medical attention without fear of "getting in trouble" with the university's student conduct system.
What does MEA provide?
A Medical Emergency Assistance Protocol would allow a student experiencing an alcohol or other drug overdose to receive medical attention without a student conduct charge. It would also remove conduct charges for those who assisted the student in need if they had been drinking as well.
Which violations will MEA cover?
A-3 (Mental or Bodily Harm to Self).
How does MEA relate to the Student Code of Conduct
MEA applies only to alcohol and other drug medical emergencies but does not apply to other prohibited conduct such as assault, property damage and distribution of illicit substances. If other prohibited conduct occurs the student will be held responsible for those violations.
Does MEA provide protection from any legal consequences?
No. MEA will not provide protection from legan consequences of underage/excessive drinking, illegal drug use and the misuse of prescription drugs.
Who decides if a student is covered by MEA?
The Director of the Office of Community Standards will decide whether or not a student is covered by MEA in liea of facing formal university disciplinary action.
What are the stipulations?
The Director of the Office of Community Standards will allow MEA to cover a student when the student:
- Has received emergency medical treatment as a result of an episode of alcohol or other drug abuse;
- A bystander (not acting in an "official" university capacity) has called for help on your behalf; and
- Has not previously been covered by MEA.
How many times can MEA be used?
Once. If a student has a second high-risk situation they will face student conduct charges. Students calling for help or assisting in a high-risk situation, even if they are in violation of an alcohol or drug policy, may use MEA multiple times.
If MEA is granted will the student have any responsibility?
Yes. In order to successfully complete MEA, students must:
- Comply with any and all recommendations for educational interventions;
- Complete BASICS;
- Complete the eCheckup online education program.
- Pay a $100 fee to cover the cost of the appropriate alcohol or other drug intervention program and pay a $150 fine;
- Complete a minimum of 10 hours of community restitution;
- Meet with Dr. Jenny Hall-Jones, the Assistant Dean of Students.
What happens if the student fails to complete the intervention?
Students who fail to successfully complete MEA will face university student conduct charges for the incident that prompted their admission to the program.
