Alcohol poisoning
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- Alcohol Poisoning
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Introduction
Alcohol (chemical name, ethanol) is a drug that depresses the
activity of the central nervous system - in particular, the
brain.
Prolonged or excessive intake can severely impair all physical
and mental functions, and the person may sink into deep
unconsciousness.
There are several risks to the casualty from alcohol
poisoning:
- An unconscious casualty risks inhaling and choking on
vomit.
- Alcohol widens (dilates) the blood vessels. This means that the
person loses heat, and hypothermia may develop.
- A casualty who smells of alcohol may be misdiagnosed and not
receive appropriate treatment for an underlying cause of
unconsciousness, such as a head injury, stroke, or heart
attack.
Recognition features
There may be:
- A strong smell of alcohol.
- Empty bottles or cans.
- Impaired consciousness: the casualty may respond if roused, but
will quickly relapse.
- Flushed and moist face.
- Deep, noisy breathing.
- Full, bounding pulse.
- Unconsciousness.
In the later stages of unconsciousness:
- Dry, bloated appearance to the face.
- Shallow breathing.
- Weak, rapid pulse.
- Dilated pupils that react poorly to light.
Treatment
Your aims:
- To maintain an open airway.
- To assess for other conditions.
- To seek medical help if necessary
If the casualty is conscious:
- Cover a casualty with a coat or blanket to protect them from
the cold.
- Assess the casualty for any injuries, especially head injuries,
or other medical conditions.
- Monitor and record vital signs - level of response, pulse and
breathing - until the casualty recovers or is placed in the care of
a responsible person.
If the casualty becomes unconscious:
- Open the airway and check breathing.
- Be prepared to give chest
compressions and rescue breaths if necessary.
- Place them into the recovery
position if the casualty is unconscious but breathing
normally.
- Dial 999 for an ambulance.
DO NOT induce vomiting.
Related topics
Please note:
These hints are no substitute for thorough knowledge of first
aid! St John Ambulance holds first aid
courses throughout the country.