Alcohol Poisoning

Life threatening intoxication requiring monitoring

Step by Step

Danger signs: confusion, being unable to wake the person, vomiting while drowsy or unconscious, slow breathing, fewer than 8 breaths a minute, or irregular breathing, cold, pale, or bluish skin, low body temperature, and seizures. Call emergency services if any of these are present. Do not leave them to sleep it off, and do not give coffee, put them in a cold shower, or make them walk. Place them in the recovery position to protect the airway, keep them warm, and check breathing continuously; start CPR if they stop breathing normally. Alcohol levels can keep rising after drinking stops as it is still being absorbed.