Caregiver Training
Purpose of the Program
The aim of the caregiver training program is to provide high-quality, consistent education for Rice students to feel more confident providing support in situations where their peers need it. This program will illustrate signs and symptoms of intoxication and how to recognize when a situation warrants Emergency Medical Services. Student caregivers are a crucial link in the emergency response process. Ideally, everyone should know what to do in an emergency situation, but more advanced training can help an individual provide basic care
The Rice Alcoholic Beverage Policy is a community-conceived policy based on the principle that students will be responsible for their own behavior. Rice University recognizes that college is a time of experimentation and limit seeking, but will not function as a haven from local, state and federal law.
*Please note to be considered a trained Caregiver, you must attend one of our training sessions once a year.*
Role of a Caregiver
- A caregiver provides basic care and support for a friend or peer to reduce risk of physical and psychological harm.
- A caregiver is confident that he/she can help a peer.
- A caregiver contacts EMS if they do not feel they can adequately care for a peer or if either student feels uncomfortable.
- A caregiver does not assume the role of an Emergency Medical Technician nor hinder access to professional medical treatment.
- A caregiver is aware of their own personal limitations.
Signs and Symptoms of Intoxication & Skills for Intervention
- Lowered Inhibitions People with lowered inhibitions become more talkative, relaxed, over-friendly and are sometimes loud.
- Loss of Judgment With an increase in blood alcohol content, people may behave inappropriately, use foul language, annoy others or increase their rate of drinking due to their impaired judgment.
- Slowed Reactions An individual will have glassy, unfocused eyes, forget things, lose their train of thought or slur their speech as a result of slowed reactions.
- Poor Coordination Stumbling or swaying, dropping belongings and having trouble picking up a drink can indicate a loss of coordination.
Suggested Response:
- Match your response with their behavior.
- Belligerence should be met with firmness or if someone is very emotional, treat them with sensitivity.
- Make very clear statements.
- Speak directly to the point and use the first person by starting sentences with the word “I.”
- Be non-judgmental and non-threatening by providing a reason for your actions.
- Relate to the person using non-confrontational strategies.
Interested in learning more about the effects of alcohol on the body? Visit here. Please note that while you may view the Caregiver Training video, you must attend a formal training session to be considered an official Caregiver.
Spring 2013 Training Dates
Specific Caregiver Training dates will be held each semester by the Wellness Center in addition to trainings organized by the colleges. If you are interested in being a caregiver for your college, speak with your RHA first to see if there is a training coming up. These dates below are intended for student organizations, intramural teams, off-campus students and graduate students. However, undergraduate students are welcome as well. If fewer then 5 students sign-up for a session, the session may be canceled. Please make sure to check your e-mail before your session as it is subject to change. Sessions last about an hour and take place in the Wellness Center classroom. Please note that upon agreeing to be a caregiver, your name and cell phone will be added to our internal master list, which will be shared with the head caregivers from your college periodically.
General Sessions:
Thursday, January 24th at 4:30 pm
Tuesday, February 19th at 12:00 pm
Tuesday, March 12th at 12:00 pm
Thursday, April 18th at 5:00 pm**
**Please note that April 18th is our official "carryover" date. Any student trained on this date or after (either by RHAs or the Wellness Center) will be certified as an official Caregiver into the 2013-2014 school year.**