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SEMS EMTs staff social events as peers, not to police the scene, but to serve as sober, medically trained personnel for students in need. |
Alcohol use on college campuses in the United States has become synonymous with college culture. Modern day college students face ever-challenging pressures to cope with the reality of college culture and the social consequences that exist surrounding the issue. College offers new students a sense of independence and personal freedom, empowering them to make their own decisions as young adults. These decisions have the ability to become destructive and life changing, resulting in numerous consequences, from declined grades, to blackouts, and, in the worst cases, death. The fact of the matter is, every year there are 1,700 college student deaths as a result of alcohol-related emergencies.
In April 2002, the Task Force of the National Advisory Council on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism cited “alcohol use” as the primary leader of campus-life problems. They discuss the necessity for an alcohol policy that the college president, faculty, and students will respect and support. However, the majority of colleges that support “responsible use” in their alcohol policies are technically referring to those of legal age to consume alcohol. Being that the highest-risk drinkers are ages 19-24, and the most dangerous decisions are often made in the first six weeks of college, it is clear that many underage students seek to drink “behind closed doors.” Therefore, the majority of young people, affected by this problem, are not being acknowledged.
The students are the primary stakeholders in this cultural issue; however, their voice and opinions are often lost in response to the issue. Numerous organizations exist to reach out to students, educating them on responsibility, but few are supported or run by students. Others are online services that are impersonal and immediately forgotten. The problem is that these organizations are solely aiming to reach out to students, an active approach absent in their goal, resulting in a nominal change. It is clear that in order for this call to action to become effective, the solution must come from the number one stakeholder – the students. Furthermore, culture is a multi-faceted issue and thus, the solution itself must be comprehensive in nature.
A research-supported, proactive, peer-driven, and comprehensive approach to the culture of excess is what makes SEMS different, effective, and the future of college cultural services.
The SEMS Foundation Approach
SEMS Foundation differs from similar organizations by utilizing a personal as well as progressive approach in reducing alcohol and drug related student deaths. Our aim is to target the root of the problem: a culture of excess that has enveloped the youth of today. SEMS Foundation’s mission is dedicated to establishing this concept within the minds of our students. By educating the young people, we are able to motivate them to do the same. Therefore, SEMS Foundation employs the most powerful and effective tool in initiating change – our students and peers. SEMS Foundation promotes this concept by establishing chapters among numerous college campuses and applying four basic components that can institute this change. These services range from:
- Provide certified student EMTs at parties and other high-risk and social events to observe for signs of overdose and intervene at the point ot decision
- Educate college students in alcohol and drug toxicity and provide emergency medical skills training in alcohol and drug overdose
- Create SEMS Liaisons who are certified in CPR and First Aid, and trained in comprehensive alcohol and drug overdose emergency skills
- Mentor and educate high school students in order to prepare them for responsible decision making in college
Change won’t happen on its own, it requires genuine, peer-to-peer engagement of the young people. You can help SEMS make a real difference by donations or starting a SEMS chapter at your school! Click here for volunteer and donation opportunities!
