Consuming large amounts of alcohol can start out as an enjoyable feat, but it can be fatal. Drinking large amount enough to cause a black out is an indication of alcohol poisoning which is a possibly deadly consumption of alcohol that is quite easy to reach.
In one old suggestion, one alcoholic beverage in an hour is safe, but this advice is not quite accurate. It is important to note that alcohol does not absorb at exactly the same rate all the time, regardless whether the individual has an empty stomach or not. Even after the individual stops drinking, the level of alcohol in the blood will often continue to rise.
What are the indications of alcohol poisoning?
Most individuals are likely to experience some of these symptoms when drinking. Just because the symptoms experienced by the individual is not included does not mean that it is not serious.
An individual who is drunk who is confused and complaining of nausea is at risk. It is not enough to drive him/her home and tuck in bed. At a minimum, a sober individual should stay nearby to see if he/she gets worse. Call for emergency assistance for an intoxicated individual who has the following symptoms:
- Irregular or slow breathing
- Seizures
- Cyanosis
- Low body temperature
- Passing out or unable to wake up
- Uncontrollable vomiting
Treatment for alcohol poisoning
There are several myths regarding the treatment for alcohol intoxication, but even today, there is no cure. The only way to sober up is to given enough time. Calling for emergency assistance or bringing the individual to the hospital is the only safe way to manage alcohol poisoning.
The vital first aid for alcohol poisoning after getting in touch and requesting for emergency assistance is to keep the individual free from harm until the medical team arrives. The vital point is to protect the individual from choking on his/her own vomit.
Recovery position
Even though the recovery position is the commonly used treatment for unresponsiveness, there is limited research to prove its use. All you have to do is to put the unconscious individual on his/her side in case vomiting is expected in order to avoid choking.
It might not work effectively though. In a study conducted, the ideal position is to turn the individual face down rather than on the side or back. Individuals who were found on their backs or on their sides sucked in more stomach contents that those who were positioned face down.
Once you are going to position the individual to allow the airway to drain, you have to go all the way. Remember that it is not enough to simply turn the head of the individual to the side. You have to roll him/her over so anything that might bubble up from the gut will not slide to the rear of the throat and down into the lungs.