First Aid

IN AN EMERGENCY - CALL 111

Losing consciousness

If it happens take the following steps:

• Call an ambulance as soon as possible. Explain to the ambulance crew what has happened.

• 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).

• Don’t ignore someone who is unconscious or vomiting.

• Don’t give someone fluids, even water, if you think they're in shock or unconscious.

• Don’t leave someone alone, especially if they are unconscious.

Alcohol poisoning

Alcohol poisoning, known as acute intoxication in emergency departments, is when a large amount of alcohol is drunk, followed shortly afterwards by changes in mood or behavior, impaired judgment or social functioning and one or more physical signs of drunkenness, such as slurred speech, unsteadiness, lack of co-ordination, impaired attention or loss of consciousness.

The physical effects of alcohol poisoning are many, from nausea, vomiting and dehydration that are familiar symptoms to those who may have drunk too much on occasion, through to death.

The term ‘alcohol poisoning’ is sometimes used to describe the most serious and life-threatening complications of alcohol overdose, such as slowed breathing and loss of consciousness.

How to tell if someone has alcohol poisoning

• If the person is breathing less than 12 times per minute or stops breathing for periods of 10 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.

If you are in any doubt call emergency services on 111.

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 onto their back (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 who has altered consciousness, slowed respiration, or cool, pale skin could be experiencing acute alcohol intoxication (alcohol poisoning). This is a medical emergency and you must get help urgently.

Call 111 on your mobile phone or a landline for emergency help - ask for the ambulance.

For more information about alochol poisoning go to the health effects section.

Getting advice

If you have questions about drinking - your own or someone else's - please call Alcohol Drug Helpline on 0800 -787- 797. It's open between 10am and 10pm and it's free. Also refer to the Ease Up on the Drink website.

If you need help or advice about pregnancy prevention, STDs, rape, or alcohol and your unborn child please contact Family Planning in your area.

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