Information and Facts About Alcohol
Alcohol Poisoning
Alcohol poisoning is a very serious and potentially life-threatening situation. It is important to know how to recognize an emergency and what to do if such a situation should arise.
Signs of Alcohol Poisoning
An individual who exhibits any of the following signs may be experiencing alcohol poisoning:
- Is unconscious, passed out and cannot be woken
- Has pale, clammy, cold or bluish skin
- Is breathing slowly or irregularly—usually this mean less than eight times per minute, or 10 seconds or more between any two breaths
- Is vomiting while passed out and does not wake up during or after
- Is having seizures
- Is confused
Who to Call
If you think someone is suffering from alcohol poisoning, call for help immediately. Don’t worry about what the person will think when they sober up. Just worry about saving their life.
If you are on campus, call Campus Safety at 518-580-5566.
If you are off campus, call 911!
While Waiting for Help
While waiting for emergency personnel to arrive:
- Gently turn the intoxicated person on their side and maintain that position by placing a pillow in the small of the person's back. This is important to prevent aspiration (choking) should the person vomit.
- Stay with the person until medical help arrives.
Source: NIAA Alcohol Overdose Fact Sheet