College drinking can lead to alcohol poisoning. Alcohol poisoning can happen when someone drinks alcohol quicker than their body can process it. It can make a person seriously ill and need to go to hospital for treatment. In our previous blog we talked about the signs of alcohol poisoning. When you see these signs you need to act fast.
Do’s if it’s alcohol poisoning
- FIRST, CALL 911 and get help!
- Stay with them because there’s a risk they could choke on their own sick or stop breathing.
- Sit them up if they’re awake, or put them in the recovery position* if they’ve passed out check that they’re breathing properly.
- Give them water to sip if they’re able to swallow.
- Keep them warm with a jacket or blanket.
Don’ts if it’s alcohol poisoning
- Do not let them drink more alcohol.
- Do not give them coffee or drinks containing caffeine because this can dehydrate people with alcohol poisoning.
- Do not put them in a cold shower or bath because there’s a risk they could get too cold, fall or lose consciousness in the water.
- Do not try to make them sick.
*The recovery position is when someone is rolled onto their side allowing gravity to help their tongue flop forward and the contents of the stomach to drain out. This will keep their airway open, prevent aspiration, and allow the person to keep breathing.
RECOVERY POSITION (1):
1.Turn their head gently to the left, and check for breathing and a pulse. Check inside their mouth to see if a visible airway obstruction may be removable.
2. Gently extend their left arm away from their body at a right angle, on the floor, with their palm up.
3. Place their right palm down on the ground above their left shoulder. This arm will cushion their face when you turn them.
4. Bend their right knee at a right angle and gently turn their body to the left side. Take care of their head when turning them.
5. Place their right knee gently on the ground, keeping it at a right angle to their body. People in larger bodies may benefit from a small pillow or roll under their knee for better support.
6. Raise their chin gently to open their airway. Use their right hand to cushion their face and maintain the position.
7. Monitor breathing until first responders arrive.
(1) Gillette, H. (2023, March 15). What do you use the recovery position for?. Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/health/first-aid/recovery-position#the-steps
Rachael’s First Week resources, Alcohol and Health.
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