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Warning-sign checks

Ethanol poisoning: when to get help

Go through these in order and stop at the first one that applies. If you are reading this for someone else, answer for them.

  1. 1

    Is any of this happening now?

    Call 911

    Call emergency services now if someone who has been drinking is difficult to wake, cannot stay conscious, has a seizure, or has slow, shallow, noisy, or irregular breathing.

    Also call if their skin or lips look blue or unusually pale, they repeatedly vomit, or you suspect a head injury or mixed overdose.

    Stay with the person and follow emergency instructions

    If a child swallows alcohol or an alcohol-containing product, contact emergency services or a poison centre promptly, even if no symptoms are present.

    And for anyone, someone who:

    • you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
    Other emergency signs, for anyone
    • Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
    • Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
    • Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
    • Someone who is unconscious, or cannot be woken
    • Someone who is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
    • Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
    • Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
  2. 2

    Is any of this happening?

    Be seen today

    Seek same-day medical advice after persistent vomiting, worsening confusion, a possible injury, or symptoms that are not settling.

  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Routine follow-up is appropriate if poisoning, blackouts, or risky drinking have happened more than once.

The article also says

Do not assume the person can “sleep it off.” Their alcohol level may still rise, and an unconscious person can choke or stop breathing.

While waiting for help:

If unconscious but breathing, place them on their side

If they are not breathing normally, begin CPR if able

Keep them warm without using a hot bath or shower

Do not give coffee, food, more alcohol, or a cold shower

Do not make them walk or try to make them vomit

Tell responders what was consumed, when, and how much

Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Ethanol poisoning. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.