911 Lifeline Legislation:  A Need for Education

The most difficult part of saving an adolescent from an alcohol overdose does not occur in the emergency room, nor does it involve a complex medical treatment. Minors faced with a medical emergency stemming from excessive drinking often hesitate to call for help, either because of uncertainty or fear of facing legal charges related to alcohol use and/or possession. That is why New Jersey enacted the “911 Lifeline Legislation”.

The main concern of this legislation is summoning medical attention. By no means does this legislation condone underage drinking. It merely responds to cases of excessive drinking by minors and creates the opportunity to save lives that are imperiled due to severe intoxication. Instead of enabling dangerous behavior by trying to hide it, it increases the likelihood that it will be confronted for what it is, a medical emergency.

In order for any underage persons to be immune from prosecution, a strict set a laws must be followed:

One of the underage persons called 9-1-1 and reported that another underage person was in need of medical assistance due to alcohol consumption;

  1. The underage person who called 9-1-1 and, if applicable, one or two other persons acting in concert with the underage person who called 9-1-1 provided each of their names to the 9-1-1 operator;
  2. The underage person was the first person to make the 9-1-1 report; and
  3. The underage person and, if applicable, one or two other persons acting in concert with the underage person who made the 9-1-1 call remained on the scene with the person under the legal age in need of medical assistance until assistance arrived and cooperated with medical assistance and law enforcement personnel on the scene.
  4. The underage person who received medical assistance also shall be immune from prosecution. 

The “911 Lifeline Legislation” will not supersede existing law. If a minor were found by the police to be excessively intoxicated and in need of medical attention, the minor could not retroactively ask for help and become excused from the consequences. In addition, when a minor calls 911 to assist another minor who has a medical emergency, this legislation does not preclude the officer or the hospital from contacting the minor’s parents. It merely precludes the filing of charges for a minor in possession or other laws that may specifically be written into the legislation.

 Underage Drinking is a complex and dangerous problem that cannot be solved with a simple approach.  Efforts must utilize multiple strategies that include education and varied environmental approaches.  Strategies must send a clear message to NJ youth that underage drinking is against the law, but unacceptable and supportive services are in place for youth in need of help.  Once a problem is identified, our youth understand that safety comes first and that they need to be their friend’s lifeline to call for assistance.