While people should monitor their alcohol intake, it’s also important to know what to do if you suspect alcohol poisoning after heavy drinking. — dpa
A party can go on for so long that nobody knows whether they had four drinks or maybe six, not including the rounds of shots in between.
One of your group might seem dazed and confused from so much alcohol, then all of a sudden, their legs give way.
If you suspect they may have alcohol poisoning, it’s better to call the emergency services once too often than one time too few, says the “Alcohol? Know your limit” initiative by Germany’s Federal Centre for Health Education (BZgA).
Severe alcohol poisoning can be life-threatening, as it can lead to respiratory arrest or circulatory failure.
But it is not always clear to a bystander just how serious the situation is.
Be sure you know the emergency number to call in your area (999 in Malaysia).
Then, place the person in the recovery position to ensure their airways remain clear if they vomit, says the German Red Cross.
This prevents choking.
To do this, kneel next to the unconscious person.
Extend the arm on the side furthest to you outwards.
Place the hand that is nearest to you across their chest and under the opposite cheek.
Bend the knee nearest to you upwards to the ceiling with the foot flat on the ground.
With one hand on the person’s shoulder nearest to you and one hand on the bent knee, gently roll them onto their side away from you.
Straighten the lower leg with the bent knee so that it is resting on the floor.
The person’s neck should be extended and their mouth slightly open to allow them to vomit without choking.
Once they get to the hospital, many people imagine the person’s stomach will be pumped.
But that is rarely the case these days, says the BZgA.
Instead, hospital staff usually administer IV (intravenous) fluids to hydrate the person.
They also monitor their circulation, breathing and heartbeat, and intervene if any of these become unstable.
After 12 to 24 hours, anyone with alcohol poisoning can usually leave the hospital.
Underage individuals often fear that their parents will find out about their trip to the hospital.
Indeed, hospitals do inform parents if patients are under 18.
But schools or employers will not be informed about a case of alcohol poisoning, even if the affected person needs to be signed off sick for a longer period, the BZgA says. – dpa
