Editor’s note: This article was initially published in The Daily Gazette, Swarthmore’s online, daily newspaper founded in Fall 1996. As of Fall 2018, the DG has merged with The Phoenix. See the about page to read more about the DG.
Medical Emergency
Date: Tuesday, September 18
Time: 9:46 a.m.
Location: Science Center Bathroom
Synopsis: Public Safety Officers responded to the report of a female resident student who had fainted. Upon arrival the individual was conscious and alert, however she sustained a laceration on her chin as a result of the fall. Emergency medical services were requested and responded shortly thereafter. The student was transported to the hospital for further evaluation and treatment.
Status: Cleared
Vehicle Accident
Date: Tuesday, September 18
Time: 9:53 a.m.
Location: Chester Road
Synopsis: Officers responded to the report of the Campus Shuttle being involved in a traffic accident with a privately owned vehicle. The accident took place at the corner of Rt. 320 and College Avenue. There were no injuries reported at the time of the accident. It should be noted that Swarthmore Police Department responded to the scene as well. This information will be on file for future reference.
Status: Closed
Investigation
Date: Wednesday, September 19
Time: 3:09 p.m.
Location: Whittier Meeting House
Synopsis: Information received from a staff member in reference to a male visitor who was exhibiting disruptive behavior. The subject is not affiliated with the college however he has frequented the campus in the past. The staff member was advised to contact Public Safety immediately if the individual returns.
Status: Investigation
Theft from Storage Room
Date: Friday, September 21
Time: 2:34 p.m.
Location: Roberts Residence Hall
Synopsis: A male resident student reported personal belongings missing from the Roberts Storage area. The value of the contents is unknown at this time.
Status: Investigation
Sexual Assault
Date: Friday, September 21
Time: 2:59 p.m.
Location: Swarthmore
Synopsis: A staff member reported to the Title IX Coordinator that a female student reported a friend was sexually assaulted during the 2011-2012 academic year. No additional information about the incident, location or time is available at this time.
Status: Investigation
Theft from Residence Hall
Date: Friday, September 21
Time: 5:16 p.m.
Location: Wharton Residence Hall
Synopsis: A female resident student reported to an RA the theft of an Ipod from the residence hall. The value of the Ipod is approximately $150. No further information is available at this time.
Status: Investigation
Theft from Residence Hall
Date: Friday, September 21
Time: 5:16 p.m.
Location: Wharton Residence Hall
Synopsis: A female resident student reported to an RA the theft of a handbag from the residence. No further informatin is available at this time.
Status: Investigation
Theft from Locker Room
Date: Friday, September 21
Time: 7:28 p.m.
Location: Lamb Miller Field House
Synopsis: A male resident student reported the theft of a wallet from the men’s visitors locker room. The contents of the wallet are valuted at approximately $110.00. There was cash and various credit cards. The individual was advised to contact his credit card providers and report the matter immediately. Officers also requested that he contact this office if there were any fraudulent charges on his cards or if he required further assistance.
Status: Investigation
Does reporting medical emergencies, and specifics thereof (including where, what, when) not violate HIPAA? It’s a fuzzy line, and it makes me uncomfortable.
The HIPAA privacy rule only deals with healthcare providers, health plans and health care clearinghouses. I doubt this info came from any of those sources. Furthermore, there aren’t any real identifiers of the person involved in the medical emergency, so I don’t think it’s an issue anyway.