Medical Amnesty and the Alternative Response Unit (ARU)
Medical Amnesty
In cases of intoxication and/or alcohol poisoning, the primary concern is the health and safety of the individual(s) involved. Individuals are strongly encouraged to call for medical assistance for themselves or for a friend/acquaintance who is dangerously intoxicated. No student seeking medical treatment for an alcohol or other drug-related overdose will be subject to University discipline for the sole violation of using or possessing alcohol or drugs. This policy shall extend to another student seeking help for the intoxicated student.
https://catalog.upenn.edu/pennbook/alcohol-drug-policy/
Penn Alternative Response Unit (ARU-1)
The alternative response unit is a marked SUV staffed by a paramedic lieutenant and an emergency medical technician. The AR-1 team works collaboratively with Penn’s student-run Medical Emergency Response Team (MERT) and Penn Police officers.
Schedule: Wednesdays through Saturdays from 6 p.m. to 4 a.m.
Location: Penn Patrol Zone: between 30th Street and 43rd Street, and between Market Street and Baltimore Avenue.
The University of Pennsylvania has partnered with the Philadelphia Fire Department on an innovative public-private program designed to encourage Penn students to call for emergency medical help by removing disciplinary and financial barriers to access care.
Students with non-traumatic injuries — from sprained ankles to intoxication and other medical conditions — will receive high-quality care and hospital transportation in the PFD’s alternative response unit instead of an ambulance.