Drunken student in 'serious' condition

College sophomore Greg Blair was knocked unconscious after falling outside the Palladium Restaurant and Bar early yesterday morning and had to be taken to the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania. Last night HUP Nursing Coordinator and Evening Administrator Nancy Dodd confirmed that Blair was admitted to the hospital, where he is listed in serious condition. She added that he was "in the process" of being moved out of the intensive care unit at about 8 p.m. last night. University Police Sergeant Keith Christian said the student had consumed a "significant quantity" of alcohol inside the Palladium and appeared to be under 21, the legal drinking age in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Palladium owner Dwayne Ball refused to comment on the specifics of the incident. "I wasn't here," he said. "I have nothing to say about it at all." Although sources said Blair was in the bar with fellow Alpha Epsilon Pi brothers, Christian said the incident was not fraternity related. The student was "not very responsive" when University Police discovered him shortly after 12:30 a.m., Christian said. Blair was taken to HUP by Philadelphia Fire Rescue. Christian added that before rescue services arrived, University Police officers attempted to keep the student warm to prevent him from falling into shock. Drug and Alcohol Resource Team Treasurer and Wharton sophomore Jon Brightbill said that University Police should be contacted whenever a student has consumed an excessive amount of alcohol and is need of medical attention. He said the University's policy is not to prosecute underage drinkers who are transported to HUP by University Police. "By all means, you call the police and have them take the person to the hospital," Brightbill said. "Usually they let the [underage drinker] go and they don't ask questions." In instances where students have been prosecuted, DART and the Office of Alcohol and Drug Education have been successful in having the charges dropped, he added. Before rescue services arrive, Brightbill said "Alcohol First Aid" should be performed by placing the intoxicated person on their side in a safe and comfortable position. He said this position will prevent the person from choking or drowning if they vomit.