Caring for an intoxicated person requires a cautious, safety-focused approach because alcohol is a central nervous system depressant that impairs judgment and physical function. The goal is to provide immediate guidance to stabilize the individual and recognize when the situation progresses into a life-threatening medical emergency. Understanding the necessary steps for assessment, care, and emergency intervention ensures the person’s safety until they are sober or medical help arrives.
Initial Assessment and Ensuring Immediate Safety
The first priority involves a rapid assessment of the individual’s state of consciousness and their immediate surroundings. Determine if the person is responsive by speaking loudly and gently shaking their shoulder.
If they are conscious but impaired, move them to a secure, hazard-free location away from stairs, water, or traffic. Prevent them from attempting to drive or walk home alone.
The immediate danger for an unresponsive or sleeping intoxicated person is aspiration, which occurs if they vomit and inhale material into their lungs because the gag reflex is suppressed. To prevent this, immediately place the individual into the recovery position. This involves lying them on their side with their head tilted back to maintain an open airway, allowing any vomit or fluid to drain safely from the mouth.
Practical Steps for Ongoing Care and Monitoring
Once the person is in a safe environment and breathing normally, continuous observation is necessary, as their blood alcohol concentration can continue to rise even after they stop drinking. If the individual is conscious and able to swallow, offer small, slow sips of water to combat dehydration caused by alcohol’s diuretic effect. Avoid giving them coffee or other caffeinated drinks, as these increase dehydration and do not counteract alcohol’s depressive effects.
Check their breathing rate, skin color, and overall level of response regularly, documenting any changes. If the person is sleeping, maintain the recovery position and check on them every 10 to 15 minutes to ensure they can still be roused and are breathing consistently. When communicating, speak calmly and clearly, avoiding confrontation or anger, as intoxication can lead to confusion and agitation.
Keep the person warm with a blanket, as alcohol can cause a drop in body temperature, increasing the risk of hypothermia. Do not attempt methods like a cold shower or forcing them to walk around, as these actions are ineffective for sobering up and can cause injury or shock. The only thing that decreases the effects of alcohol is time, allowing the liver to metabolize the substance.
Recognizing and Responding to Alcohol Poisoning
Alcohol poisoning is a medical emergency that occurs when a high blood alcohol concentration overwhelms the body, suppressing vital life functions. Recognizing the warning signs is necessary, and any combination of these symptoms warrants an immediate call to emergency services. Look for severe confusion, seizures, or an inability to be roused from unconsciousness.
The respiratory system is vulnerable, so watch for slow or irregular breathing, defined as fewer than eight breaths per minute or pauses of more than 10 seconds between breaths. Physical signs include pale, bluish, or clammy skin, which indicates poor circulation and hypothermia. Vomiting while unconscious, especially without a gag reflex, presents a severe risk of fatal aspiration.
If any severe signs are present, call emergency services immediately, stating clearly that you suspect alcohol poisoning and providing the location. While waiting for help, continue to monitor the person and ensure they remain in the recovery position to protect their airway. Stay with the individual until medical professionals arrive, providing the dispatcher with information about what the person consumed. Many jurisdictions have Good Samaritan protections that shield individuals from legal consequences when seeking help for an alcohol-related emergency, underscoring that calling for assistance is always the correct, life-saving action.