Acute Alcohol Intoxication
Acute alcohol intoxication, or alcohol poisoning, can occur after the ingestion of a large amount of alcohol. Inexperienced drinkers, or those sensitive to alcohol, may become acutely intoxicated and suffer serious consequences after ingesting smaller amounts of alcohol.
When ingested in larger quantities, alcohol slows body functions, including heart rate, blood pressure, and breathing. When alcohol significantly depresses these vital centers, unconsciousness results, this is one step away from coma and possible death.
Many students are surprised to find out that death can occur from too much alcohol. Most students think that the worst that can happen is they will vomit or pass out, with a hangover the next day.
Symptoms of Alcohol Poisoning
- Repeated episodes of vomiting.
- Unconsciousness or semi-consciousness.
- Slowed or irregular breathing. Slow respiration, eight or less breaths per minute or lapses of more than 10 seconds.
- Cold clammy or pale or bluish skin.
- Vomiting while “sleeping” or passed out, and not waking up after vomiting.
Appropriate Action
If you encounter a person who exhibits one or more of these symptoms, we recommend that you call 911(Security). This is a medical emergency.
While waiting for medical transport, gently turn the intoxicated person on his/her side and maintain that position by placing a pillow in the small of the person’s back. This is important to prevent aspiration should the person vomit. Stay with the person until medical help arrives.
Intoxicated students should be evaluated by a professional if:
- Student is unable to stand or walk, or can only do so with difficulty.
- Student is only poorly aware of his or her surroundings.
- Student has difficulty breathing.
- Student has passed out or is stuporous.
- Student has fever or chills.
- Student has difficulty speaking or identifying him/herself to others.
- Student is obnoxious or unruly.
- Student is reported to have consumed a large quantity of alcohol, or chugged, or ingested other sedating or tranquilizing drugs.
If an individual is not showing the above symptoms at this point, consider if the following three conditions are met:
- Student is conscious, alert, and appears to understand the risks of the situation
- Student can state his or her name, class, and campus address.
- Student is able to stand or walk without assistance, although speech may be slurred.
Then the following steps are beneficial:
- Get the person to bed.
- Place them on their side, with a pillow in the small of their back.
- Someone needs to be checking in on them every 10-15 minutes for the remainder of the night.
If you are concerned for any reason, contact medical personnel.