West Fest Safety Resources  

Who to Call for Help

  • 911 / EMS

    • Contact For: All immediate emergencies (Note: EMS personnel will also be present at each event)

  • UTPD - (512) 471-4441

    • Contact For: Non-emergency situations

  • The Sobering Center - (512) 957-1900

    • Contact For: A safe place for intoxicated individuals to sober up as an alternative to the emergency room or jail. If the person you are with is unconscious, unresponsive, physically injured, or experiencing a medical emergency, please call 911 instead.

  • CMHC Crisis Line - (512) 471-2255

    • Contact For: 24/7 crisis counseling

Alcohol and Drug Overdoses

  • Warning Signs:

    • Unresponsive or unconscious

    • Slow or shallow breathing

    • Throwing up

    • Snoring deeply or choking/gurgling

    • Pale/blue/purple/gray skin

    • Small pinpoint pupils (unique to opioid overdose)

  • Steps to conduct in case of an overdose:

  1. Call 911/seek help from the nearest medical professional.

  2. In the case of a potential opioid overdose, administer naloxone (Narcan nasal spray) — it is available at each event location.

  3. Try to keep the person awake and breathing.

  4. Lay the person on their side to prevent choking.

  5. Stay with them until emergency personnel arrive. Remember, even after administering Narcan in the case of an opioid overdose, this is not a substitute for emergency medical attention. You should still call 911 or seek the nearest medical professional.

  • How to use Narcan (Naloxone nasal spray):

Doses of Narcan are available at every event location. To view a map of nearby free Naloxone access centers, click here.

  1. Call for medical assistance immediately.

  2. Peel back the packaging to remove the nasal spray – hold the nasal spray with your thumb on the bottom of the plunger and two fingers on the nozzle.

  3. Place and hold the tip of the nozzle in either nostril of the person experiencing an opioid overdose until your fingers touch the bottom of the person’s nose.

  4. Press the plunger to release the nasal spray into the person’s nose.

  5. Stay with the person, calmly reassuring them that help is on the way.

Substance use safety

  • One at a Time:

    • Avoid mixing substances - the combo of some substances can lead to potentially harmful or fatal situations.

  • Pace Yourself:

    • Remember to check in with yourself, slow down, and drink water!

  • Narcan is Available:

    • You have the power to prevent an overdose — if you notice someone exhibiting signs of a potential overdose, speak up and seek help. Narcan is available at each event location.

  • Know the Signs:

    • If someone is exhibiting slow/weak breathing, loss of consciousness, or other signs of overdose, seek medical attention immediately.

  • Make the Call:

    • If you notice that a friend has had too much or is in a potentially life-threatening situation, the best way that you can support them is by calling 911 and looking for the nearest medical professional.

Violence Prevention

  • Always remember that consent requires:

    • An enthusiastic, mutual agreement between each member involved

    • A conversation that requires consciousness and clarity

    • Ask, do not assume. A “yes” to one thing does not imply a “yes” to all things

    • A decision that can be revoked at any time

  • Offering support after an incident: 

    • B: Believe Them

    • L: Listen without Judgement

    • O: Offer Options and Resources

    • G: Give/Get support for Them and Yourself

  • Resources for supporting survivors and reporting:

    Confidential Resources:

    • Voices Against Violence (CMHC): Individual and group counseling and advocacy

      • Phone: (512) 471-3515  — ask for a “VAV appointment”

    • Advocates (UT Student Outreach & Support): Professional staff who provide individual support to students impacted by interpersonal violence.

      • Phone: (512) 471-5017 — ask for a “Confidential line”

    • Interpersonal Violence Peer Support: Undergraduate and graduate students who

      offer peer support to students impacted by interpersonal violence

      • Phone: (512) 471-6147

    Non-Confidential Resources:

    • Title IX Office: Filing a report, investigations, support, and accommodations

      • Phone: (512) 471-0419

    • UTPD: Safety planning, de-escalation, filing protective order, etc.

      • Phone: (512)-471-4441

Amnesty Policy information

  • UT students can avoid formal university disciplinary action related to medical emergencies due to alcohol or drugs when they:

    • CALL: Call 911 or locate on-site emergency personnel immediately when you see the signs of alcohol poisoning or drug overdose.

    • STAY: Stay with the person.

    • HELP: Gently turn the person on their side to facilitate breathing and avoid

      choking should the person vomit.

    • ANSWER: Fully cooperate with all emergency personnel.

Additional Resources