EMS calls increase during orientation

The Brown Daily Herald
Nicole Grabel, Contributing Writer

Emergency Medical Services received 10 calls during the first weekend of first-year orientation this year, the most since 2007.

During the same period in the past three years — from Friday through the Monday night before the start of classes — EMS fielded three calls each year, according to Margaret Klawunn, vice president for campus life and student services.

More first-years arrived on campus before orientation this year, Klawunn said. After waiting for additional students to join them when orientation started, they were overexcited when the weekend finally came, resulting in the increased need for medical attention, she said. The University modified orientation in 2007 to decrease the amount of scheduled free time, because students had used the downtime to consume alcohol and other drugs.

Though Klawunn said the amount of alcohol consumption at Brown is "pretty typical for college campuses," she still believes steps need to be taken to lower that rate.