- Different people experience different effects of alcohol. There are no absolutes.
- If a large amount of alcohol is in a person's system, it can result in unconsciousness. The heart and lungs can be slowed to the point of stopping.
- It is dangerous to assume a person will just sleep it off. People may pass out before all of the alcohol reaches the brain.
- When it doubt, call for emergency assistance.
Step to Deal with Alcohol Poisoning
- Wake the person up. Call their name; pinch their skin; shake them. If they don't respond, get help!
- Turn the person on their side so that if they get sick they will not choke on their vomit.
- Check the person's skin. If their skin is pale, bluish, cold, and/or clammy, get help!
- Check the person's breathing. If it is irregular or too slow/shallow (less than 8 breaths per minute or more than 10 seconds between breaths), get help!
- If you discover any one of the above problems, stay with the person and call 911 or LUPD at 610-758-4200 if you are on Lehigh's campus. Calling the LUPD while you're on campus will contact the ambulance and escort it to get help quicker! It is important to contact emergency services quickly!
Better safe that sorry.
When in doubt, call 9-1-1.