This semester, the number of students requiring emergency medical transport (EMS) for alcohol intoxication has already matched the total for the entire previous academic year, according to the Director of Campus Safety and Security, Scott Dunn.  

Dunn shared with the Crier that as of November 21st,  “we have had eight students transported via ambulance due to intoxication. During the entire last school, which includes both semesters, we had a total of eight transports. During the entire 2022/2023 school year we had a total of seven transports.”  

Although data does not specify students’ class years, Dunn noted that incidents have been increased at Dominic Residence Hall, traditionally home to male first-year students. However, the lack of detailed demographic data limits the understanding of whether the increase is predominantly tied to freshmen. While a reported “increase from Dominic Res Hall,” is a cause for concern, it is equally important to recognize that the comparatively large size of the class of 2028 may contribute to these more significant numbers.  

Nevertheless, this surge in EMS transports echoes broader concerns about the dangers of excessive alcohol consumption, including its potential to result in devastating consequences. Students must be aware of the environmental exposures and their potential to interact with alcohol dangerously. For instance, in 2021, a University of New Hampshire (UNH) student tragically drowned after a night of drinking with friends. His death, ruled an accidental drowning, shocked the community and highlighted the risks of alcohol-related incidents on college campuses. As the winter months approach, campus officials stress that Saint Anselm students must consider the freezing temperatures’ ability to exacerbate these risks.  

Scott Dunn and Campus Safety and Security understand the severity of these incidents, emphasizing that “the unintended outcomes of drinking in college go beyond being ‘hungover.’” Dunn stressed that risks include alcohol poisoning, injuries, mental health challenges, as well as accidents like falls and freezing.  

“Anytime a student drinks to the point where he or she requires medical attention, there is a high level of concern. There needs to be a shift in culture regarding the consumption of alcohol by students. The unintended outcomes of drinking in college go beyond being ‘hungover.’ Risks of drinking include: death, alcohol poisoning, injury or death from exposure to the environment, becoming a victim of assault, increase in mental health issues, relationship problems, dependency and addiction, legal issues, performing poorly in classes, and the list goes on,” Dunn stated to the Crier.  

This sharp rise in EMS transports calls for an increased awareness and shift in attitudes toward excessive alcohol consumption. At the time of the Crier’s interview with Director Dunn, he expressed, “Yes, we are already at the number of transports from last year and we still have more than two weeks left this semester. Please be safe and make good choices.” 

With awareness and collective action, students can work together to reduce the risks and ensure a safer campus environment that upholds a culture of care.