If someone is unconscious after drinking too much alcohol, it is important to call for help immediately. Also:
- Turn them sideways with their head also turned sideways (recovery position).
- Make sure they are breathing and that their mouth and respiratory tracts are open.
- If they stop breathing, start mouth-to-mouth.
- Unbutton/loosen any tight garment they may be wearing that may limit their breathing.
- Keep the person warm (not too much though) using a blanket or coat.
- Call an ambulance but don't leave the person unattended… ask someone you trust to call an ambulance.
If someone vomits:
- Try to keep them in an upright position.
- If they need to lie down, make sure they are in a recovery position and that their mouth and respiratory tracts are clean.
- If they start choking, get help right away.
Do not leave the person unattended even if you cannot stand the sight or smell of vomiting. Alcohol poisoning is extremely dangerous. It can lead to coma and in exceptional cases to death. The amount of alcohol needed to cause alcohol poisoning depends on many factors including size, weight, age, etc. Teenagers and those without experience in alcohol consumption are extremely vulnerable.
Someone may be suffering from alcohol poisoning when:
- They breathe less than twelve times per minute or stop breathing for ten seconds or more.
- They are falling asleep and you can't wake them up.
- Their skin is cold, sweaty, pale, and bruised.
If you suspect someone is suffering from alcohol poisoning, act like it's an emergency and call an ambulance. Stay with them until help arrives.