SANEs are RNs who have embraced the challenge to be technically skilled evidence collectors and who display sensitivity and acknowledge the patient's dignity during every step of the examination.

The SANE response may include a head-to-toe physical assessment (referrals will be made for serious injuries), a urine test for pregnancy, medications for emergency contraception and prevention of sexually transmitted diseases (limited exam), documentation of injuries including photographs and collection of forensic evidence (full exam).

The SANE needs informed consent from the sexual assault patient. The patient must be able to understand, agree to, and sign for each part of the exam. The only exceptions to this are in the case of child abuse, mentally challenged patients, or elder abuse.

SANE nurses are on-call. They are not physically on-site. To dispatch a SANE nurse, call the SANE cell phone 575-430-9485, the Gerald Champion Regional Medical Center (GCRMC) Emergency Department 575-443-7901 in Alamogordo New Mexico, or a member of the Sexual Assault Response Team (SART): Victim Advocate on call emergency line 575-430-4433, 24-Hour Rape Crisis Line 575-437-7404, Holloman SARC 24-hour line 575-572-6789.

An immediate sexual assault exam should be done within 5 days of the assault for a 13-year-old and older, or within 3 days of the assault for a 12-year-old or younger. Generally, the sooner the exam is done, the better.

An adult sexual assault patient does not need to file a police report to receive SANE services.

If you need to speak with the Program Coordinator, please call 575-430-9485.