Alcohol Poisoning – What you should know

Jimi Da-Silva was a well-known philanthropist in his community. He was also popularly referred to as ‘Drum’ because of his attachment to alcohol. On the 8th of May 2021, he was scheduled to serve as the chairman for his best friend\’s daughter\’s wedding. Ready to relax after the wedding reception formalities, he quickly drank nearly 2 crates of alcohol and became very intoxicated. Shortly after, he fell down, threw up, and became unresponsive. The wedding turned into chaos as some people tried to pour water on his face to revive him, while others began praying. Others watched helplessly, not knowing what to do or who to call. Jimi\’s friend rushed him to a nearby hospital but he was pronounced dead on arrival.

\”Acute alcohol intoxication is a condition associated with drinking too much alcohol in a short amount of time. It’s also referred to as alcohol poisoning. Alcohol intoxication is serious. It affects your body temperature, breathing, heart rate, and gag reflex. It can also sometimes lead to coma or death.\” – Healthline

In alcohol poisoning, a good time can very suddenly go very bad. It is a medical emergency. If you think someone is experiencing alcohol poisoning, seek emergency medical attention immediately.

WHAT ARE THE STAGES OF ALCOHOL POISONING?

• Sobriety or low-level intoxication – normal behavior and no visible signs of intoxication
• Euphoria – typically called being \’tipsy\’, the drinker is chatty with increased confidence and lower inhibitions
• Excitement – visibly drunk, the person loses coordination and may be emotionally unstable
• Confusion – marked by emotional outbursts and an inability to physically coordinate themselves, the person may forget what is happening – \’black out\’ without losing consciousness
• Stupor – completely passed out and unresponsive to what is happening around them. This is a dangerous phase especially if the person chokes on their vomit.
• Coma – breathing and blood circulation will be extremely slow, temperature drops and at this stage, the person is at risk of death
• Death – no explanation required. Keep in mind that people don\’t necessarily have to have drank a lot, rather drinking very quickly can get them to this stage.

HOW IS ALCOHOL POISONING TREATED?

Treating alcohol intoxication involves providing supportive care while the body tries to process the alcohol. You must seek emergency medical treatment for a person who is showing symptoms of alcohol poisoning.

Call EMERGENCY RESPONSE AFRICA ON 080002255372 

While you wait for professional care, you should:

• Turn an unconscious person gently on their side to prevent them from choking on vomit.
• Encourage a conscious person to lay on their side in a safe place until help arrives.
• Encourage a person who is able to swallow to drink water.
• Stay with the person until medical personnel arrive.

WHY CALL ERA?

1. We respond to all medical emergencies in minutes with qualified medical personnel, using motorcycles to avoid delays.
2. We have partnerships with verified Emergency-Ready hospitals, that afford our subscriber\’s immediate medical attention.
3. Our First Responders are qualified, swift, and empathetic. 

Don\’t wait for medical emergencies to happen and leave you helpless. Subscribe to ERA and have someone to call whenever you have a medical emergency.