<STRONG>Losing consciousness:</STRONG><BR><BR>This happens mainly with downer drugs like alcohol. If it happens take the following steps:<UL><LI>Put the person in the recovery position <LI>Make sure they're breathing and that their mouth is empty&nbsp;<LI>Clear any vomit, away from their mouth&nbsp;<LI>If they stop breathing, start CPR (mouth to mouth resuscitation)<LI>Loosen any tight clothing that might restrict their breathing<LI>Keep them warm - use blankets or a coat (but not too warm)<LI>Call an ambulance as soon as possible. Explain to the ambulance crew what has happened and what you have done</LI></UL><STRONG>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Don't </STRONG><UL><LI>Ignore someone who is unconscious or vomiting<LI>Give someone fluids (even water) if you think they're in shock or unconscious&nbsp;<LI>Leave someone alone, especially if they are unconscious</LI></UL><STRONG>Dehydration</STRONG><BR><BR>Dehydration can result in:<UL><LI>Cramps in the leg, back and arms<LI>Failure to s

Losing consciousness:

This happens mainly with downer drugs like alcohol. If it happens take the following steps:

• Put the person in the recovery position
• Make sure they're breathing and that their mouth is empty 
• Clear any vomit, away from their mouth 
• If they stop breathing, start CPR (mouth to mouth resuscitation)
• Loosen any tight clothing that might restrict their breathing
• Keep them warm - use blankets or a coat (but not too warm)
• Call an ambulance as soon as possible. Explain to the ambulance crew what has happened and what you have done

      Don't

• Ignore someone who is unconscious or vomiting
• Give someone fluids (even water) if you think they're in shock or unconscious 
• Leave someone alone, especially if they are unconscious

Dehydration

Dehydration can result in:

• Cramps in the leg, back and arms
• Failure to sweat
• Headaches and dizziness
• Vomiting
• Suddenly feeling very tired
• Feeling like urinating, but not doing so when you go

Fainting

Prevent and treat dehydration by:

• Drinking water, fruit juice or a sports drink and avoiding alcohol
• Eating something that keeps the salt levels in the body up. Salty snacks, fruit juice, and sports drinks will all help to keep the body provided with the minerals it needs
• Wearing cool clothes and not wearing hats (hats keep heat in)

Blood Alcohol Poisoning

Like many substances, high levels of alcohol can be toxic to the body and can lead to death. 

This is typically referred to as alcohol poisoning.  The level of alcohol in the blood stream is so high that the affect on the central nervous system.

Unlike most foods or beverages that take time to digest, alcohol is absorbed directly into the bloodstream through the tissue lining of the stomach and the small intestine. 

The amount of alcohol it takes to affect a person's central nervous system depends on many factors, including size and weight, gender etc. 

How To Tell If Someone has Alcohol Poisoning:

• If the person is breathing less than twelve times per minute or stops breathing for periods of ten seconds or more 
• If the person is asleep and you are unable to wake them up
• Look at the person's skin. If it is cold, clammy, pale, bluish in colour

Other Important Factors:

• Stay with a person who is vomiting! Try to keep the person sitting up. If they must lie down, keep them on their side with their head turned to the side (the recovery position). Watch for choking; if the person begins to choke, get  help immediately
• If a person drinks alcohol in combination with any other drug, the combined effect could be fatal

If the person is not in need of medical attention and is going to "sleep it off":

• be sure to position the person on their side placing a pillow behind them to prevent them from rolling (prevents choking)
• stay with the person and wake them frequently
• alcohol levels may continue to rise even in sleep, causing the person to become unconscious, rather than asleep. If at any time you cannot wake the person up, call an ambulance
• Any person that has altered consciousness, slowed respiration, or cool, pale skin is experiencing acute alcohol intoxication (alcohol poisoning). This is a medical emergency and you must get help
  
  Call 111 on your cell-phone (mobile) or a landline for emergency help - ask for the ambulance

Getting Advice

If you have questions about drinking - your own or someone else's - please call 0800-787-797 The Alcohol Helpline - it's free.

If you need help or advice about pregnancy prevention, STDs, rape, or alcohol and your unborn child please ring Family Planning in your area, the number is in your telephone book.

The Alcohol Advisory Council's job is to help New Zealanders make healthy choices when it comes to alcohol. For more information about us please look in the ALAC section.