Concerned about Alcohol Poisoning?
Remember, if there is an emergency call 911 as soon as possible. NEVER be afraid to seek medical help for a friend who has had too much to drink. Always be safe, not sorry.
SIGNS OF ALCOHOL POISONING
- Mental confusion
- Difficult to wake
- Vomiting
- Seizures
- Slow or irregular breathing
- Hypothermia, bluish skin color, paleness
- Absence of reflexes
WHAT TO DO IF YOU THINK SOMEONE HAS ALCOHOL POISONING
- DO NOT let the person "sleep it off"
- DO NOT wait for all of the symptoms to be present
- DO NOT try to guess the persons' level of drunkenness
- Be aware that a person who has passed out may be seriously hurt if not treated
- Call 911 for help immediately
- Turn the intoxicated person on their side to prevent choking if they vomit
WHAT CAN HAPPEN TO AN UNTREATED PERSON WITH ALCOHOL POISONING
- Victim may choke on own vomit
- Breathing slows, becomes irregular, or stops
- Heart beat irregularly or stops
- Hypothermia
- Seizures
- Severe dehydration from vomiting may result in seizures, brain damage or death
COMMON MYTHS ABOUT CURING ALCOHOL POISIONING
- Drinking black coffee
- Taking a cold shower or bath
- Sleeping it off
- Walking it off