The official motto of the State of Wisconsin is “Forward.” As a word, it suggests an entity with a positive vision for the future. However, it is impossible for Wisconsin to be “Forward” if it persists with excluding forward-looking policy.
Currently in Wisconsin, an underage drinker who is in need of medical assistance would be subject to an underage drinking ticket if a friend called 911 for help. If the friend was also intoxicated, they would be culpable as well. This is a potentially fatal problem.
I’m originally from Indiana, which is one of 31 states that has a medical amnesty law in place that protects both the victim and caller from an underage drinking ticket in case of a medical emergency. But it wasn’t always this way. In 2012, Brett, a senior at my high school, had just graduated and was looking forward to heading off to university. Brett lived an active lifestyle: he was a member of the varsity soccer team, and according to his close friends, some of whom I know very well, he was the type of kid who always had your back. Everyone had something good to say about him. Soon after his graduation day, Brett was out at a party with some of his friends. He drank too much too fast, and eventually passed out.
Now, this happened only a month after medical amnesty had passed in Indiana, and it hadn’t been around long enough for Brett’s friends to know it existed. They were afraid to call for help immediately, and eventually, Brett died of alcohol poisoning.
This story provides an example of just one of many situations that led to the wider promotion and subsequent expansion of medical amnesty law in Indiana. Currently, it’s being used to save lives. In Wisconsin, however, medical amnesty does not exist. According to a 2011 study from researchers at North Dakota State University, students who are aware that a medical amnesty policy is in effect are 2.5 times more likely than students who expect to face disciplinary action to call for help when witnessing the signs of alcohol poisoning. Unfortunately, that’s not an option for our peers, friends, and, potentially, loved ones who might need it. That can change.
Right now, a medical amnesty bill is being circulated in the state legislature that, like the one from my home state, would protect both the caller and the victim in case of a medical emergency. It is of the utmost importance that legislators hear support from their constituents so that this bill, along with the State of Wisconsin can move “Forward.” I urge you to contact your local representative or senator so that everyone in Wisconsin is able to make the call and possibly save a life.
Jason is a member of the Legislative Affairs Committee in the Associated Students of Madison. What do you think of this proposal? Send all comments to opinion@dailycardinal.com.
