Alcohol Poisoning

Alcohol poisoning is the most serious consequence of binge to high risk drinking. The brain is deprived of oxygen when too much alcohol is consumed, therefore, inhibiting the brain from functioning. Brain functions are ultimately depressed, effecting vital life systems that can lead to coma and then death.

The signs of alcohol poisoning are:

• Nausea and/or vomiting (the body’s way of expelling excessive alcohol)
• The person is unconscious or semi-conscious and can not be awakened
• The person feels cold and clammy
• The person appears pale or bluish
• Breathing, when checked, is slow (less than 8 breaths per minute), or irregular (ten seconds or more between breaths)

Do's & DON'TS

Do:

• put the person on his/her side to prevent choking on vomit.
• call for help immediately: call 911, staff member, public safety/security, anyone who could help.

Don't:

• leave the person alone.
• think he or she will be alright.
• be afraid you are making something out of nothing.