Alcohol poisoning
Alcohol poisoning can happen when alcohol is drunk quicker than it can be filtered out of the blood. This is often referred to as ‘binge drinking’.
Alcohol depresses the activity of the central nervous system, particularly the brain. Prolonged or excessive intake can severely impair all physical and mental functions and the casualty may become unresponsive.
There are other risks from alcohol poisoning such as a casualty choking on their own vomit and developing hypothermia.
If a casualty has alcohol poisoning they will need to go to the hospital to be monitored as it can cause serious complications like liver and heart failure.
Recognition
- Smell of alcohol
- Evidence of empty containers
- Impaired response level
- Flushed appearance
- Deep, noisy breathing
In the later stages of unresponsiveness:
- Dry, bloated appearance to the face
- Shallow breathing
- Weak and rapid pulse
- Dilated pupils
- Unresponsiveness
Treatment
- Place them in the recovery position to maintain an open airway
- Monitor their breathing and response levels
- Keep them warm and reassure them
- If the casualty is not recovering then call 999/112 for the emergency services