Have you ever been concerned about a friend who has had too much to drink, but you are not quite sure what to do? Alcohol poisoning occurs when a large amount of alcohol is consumed, usually over a short period of time. This leads to a rapid rise in BAC caused by having more alcohol in the body than the liver can handle. Knowing the signs can help you save someone’s life.

The signs for alcohol poisoning:
• Mental confusion, stupor
• Passed out or difficult to wake
• Cold, clammy, pale, or bluish skin
• Slowed breathing (fewer than 8 breaths/minute)
• Vomiting while asleep or awake

Tips to help someone:
1. CALL 911! Never assume a person will “sleep it off.” Even after someone is passed out, their blood alcohol level can continue to rise.
2. Turn a vomiting person on his/her side to prevent choking.
3. Keep the person awake, if possible.
4. Never leave the person unattended.

Under Penn State’s Responsible Action Protocol, students who seek medical assistance, by notifying the appropriate authorities (i. e., calling 911, calling the police, getting an RA), for a peer suffering from alcohol poisoning or related problems will not face University disciplinary action for their own alcohol violations, unless they are responsible for other violations.

Pennsylvania law also provides immunity for an underage person who seeks help for a friend who has alcohol poisoning.

Alcohol poisoning is a medical emergency. Call 911! You could save someone’s life. Learn more from Penn State’s Party Smart Guide.