To the Editor:
In response to Tuesday's article on care for intoxicated students ("Fewer EMS'd since 2008 policy change raised cost," Nov. 8), we would like to provide a fuller picture of our Emergency Medical Services response in these situations.
We have always transported intoxicated students to the emergency room whenever it was medically necessary.
Brown is one of the few universities in the U.S. that has a campus-based emergency medical service capable of transport. Our students are able to receive emergency care from emergency medical technicians who understand their particular needs and circumstances.
Our protocols reflect best practices and are very well-defined to ensure the health and safety of our students. The decision to transport someone to the emergency room is only made after an extensive assessment. By the same token, students are able to refuse transport only when it is safe to do so.
Brown's EMS response is always free. We strive to respond to student calls whenever possible. The Providence Fire Department responds only 10 to 15 percent of the time.
To be able to transport students to Health Services, the Rhode Island Department of Health would require much more than a physician's presence. All emergency patients are required by state protocol to be transported to an emergency hospital facility.
We believe that students share the approach that we bring to this work every day: that we are all working together to avoid needless tragedies.
Edward Wheeler
Director of Health Services
Amy Sanderson
Manager of Safety and EMS
Frances Mantak
Director of Health Education
