Alcohol Poisoning: Symptoms, Emergency Response & Prevention

Alcohol poisoning is a life-threatening emergency from rapid, excessive alcohol consumption overwhelming the body's ability to metabolize it. Blood alcohol concentration (BAC) typically >0.30%, but varies.

Critical Signs (Call 911 Immediately)

• Unconsciousness, cannot be roused
• Slow/irregular breathing (<8 breaths/min or >10 sec pauses)
• Cold, clammy, pale or bluish skin (lips, fingertips)
• Vomiting while unconscious (aspiration risk)
• Seizures
• Profound confusion, stupor
• Slow heart rate, hypotension

Do NOT

• Leave them alone
• Give food, water, coffee, or "sober up" remedies
• Induce vomiting (choking hazard)
• Put in cold shower (shock risk)
• Let them "sleep it off"

Do

• Call emergency services
• Roll onto side (recovery position) to prevent aspiration
• Monitor breathing; begin CPR if stops
• Keep warm
• Tell paramedics what/when they drank

Prevention

Pace drinks, alternate with water, eat before/during, know limits, avoid binge drinking (>4F/5M drinks in 2 hrs). Never mix with opioids/benzos.