Alcohol Poisoning

Unfortunately, getting drunk is common on college campuses. Because of this you are likely to come into contact with a person who is intoxicated or experiencing an episode of life-threatening acute alcohol intoxication (alcohol poisoning).

How do you care for this person? How do you tell if the person is acutely intoxicated? What should you do?

Listed below are some of the signs and symptoms of intoxication, alcohol poisoning, and the appropriate actions to take. This list is not all inclusive.

Signs of Alcohol Poisoning

• Unable to walk on his or her own

• Conscious, but unable to respond to questions

• Unconscious and can not be awakened

• Cold, clammy, unusually pale or bluish skin

• Strong odor of alcohol and/or vomit

• Slow or irregular breathing:
  Less than 8 times per minute
  Ten seconds or more between any two breaths

• Inability or indifference to waking up during or after vomiting.

If you suspect alcohol poisoning . . .

• First and foremost, stay with the intoxicated person.

• Get help immediately if the person exhibits one or more of the above signs. Call the RA and/or campus police

• If you think the person is in immediate danger, call 911.

• If the person appears to be “sleeping it off” it is important to realize that even though the person may be semi-conscious, the alcohol that is already in the stomach is entering the body to be circulated.

• Turn the person on his or her side.

• Monitor the person's breathing.

• Only time can sober up someone who is drunk.

Source: Modified from the MC Resident Assistant Handbook.