Signs of an Emergency
If you see a student under the influence of a substance who may need medical attention, contact TUPD immediately. Do NOT leave someone who is blacked out alone.
Signs of an Alcohol Overdose:
- Mental confusion, or not showing any reactions
- Difficulty remaining conscious, or inability to wake up
- Vomiting
- Seizures
- Slow breathing (fewer than 8 breaths per minute)
- Irregular breathing (10 seconds or more between breaths)
- Slow heart rate
- Clammy skin
- Dulled responses, such as no gag reflex (which prevents choking)
- Extremely low body temperature, bluish skin color, or paleness
If you see someone showing any of the signs listed above, do not leave them, and call TUPD immediately. After calling TUPD, stay with the person and make sure they are lying on their side to prevent choking. Never let someone “sleep it off.”
Tufts Amnesty Policy applies to the person under the influence and the person who reaches out for help.
Signs of an Opioid Overdose:
- The person cannot wake up
- Breathing is slow or has stopped
- There are snoring or gurgling sounds
- Fingernails and tips are blue or purple
- Pupils are tiny or eyes are rolled back
- Body is limp
What to do:
- Call TUPD
- Administer naloxone, if available
- Keep the person awake and breathing
- Lay the person on their side to prevent choking
- Stay with the person until emergency workers arrive
To learn more about naloxone, visit Naloxone Facts
To learn more about an opioid overdose, visit Preventing an Opioid Overdose or Opioid Overdose Basics.
To receive training on how to use Naloxone, visit Student Group Trainings.