This study tested the impact of an on-line alcohol poisoning video and a medical amnesty policy on students' self-reported likelihood of seeking help when witnessing alcohol poisoning symptoms. Medical amnesty policies promise amnesty from campus judicial sanctions when a student calls for help due to over-consumption of alcohol.

Students were randomly assigned into four groups (N = 1,087): a comparison group, and three treatment groups. All four groups read a hypothetical scenario involving a college student bystander who observed a drunken peer exhibiting alcohol poisoning symptoms. The comparison group did not receive any interventions. The treatment groups received an on-line alcohol poisoning video, a medical amnesty policy, or both an on-line alcohol poisoning video and a medical amnesty policy.

The medical amnesty policy and the on-line alcohol poisoning video were each independently effective in significantly increasing students' intentions to seek help, as well as when used together. When controlling for gender and drinking level the medical amnesty policy contributed most to students' intentions to seek help. Women were significantly more likely to report intentions to seek help than were men, regardless of treatment group. Students did not differ in their intentions to help by age (under age 21 vs. 21 and older). Abstainers and light drinkers were significantly more likely to report intentions to seek help than were moderate or heavy drinkers. The on-line alcohol poisoning video was effective in significantly increasing recognition of alcohol poisoning symptoms and increasing concern for three alcohol poisoning symptoms (mental confusion, vomiting, and pale skin). Students in the study reported being most likely to seek help from other students, resident assistants, or medical personnel.

This study provides evidence to support a medical amnesty policy and an on-line alcohol poisoning video as methods to increase help-seeking behavior among college students. Administrators should consider implementing medical amnesty policies and educational campaigns about alcohol poisoning, and should evaluate the effectiveness on their individual campuses. Educational efforts surrounding medical amnesty policies should be targeted to men and heavy drinkers as these individuals show the lowest likelihood of intentions to seek help.