Hsomeonehas alcohol poisoning, CALL911

• Do not leave the person alone! • Keep checking on the person to make

sure they are breathing. • Place the person on his or her side with

knees bent so they don't choke on vomit

1. Raise the arm that is closest to you above the person's head.

w Cl

~-t;; " 2 "" 2

- o 2 Cl2. Roll the person toward you. z <( wRest their head in front of their arm. w "" :c

u

3. Tilttheir head up so they can breathe. Tuck their nearest hand under their cheek.

4 Staywiththem until medical help comes.

Alcohol poisoning is serious and can be deadly. Knowing the warning signs of alcohol

poisoning and what action to take can save the life of

someone in danger.

This pamphlet is not a substitute for medical care. If you have questions or concerns, please talk with

a health care provider.

Written by Kristie Holt. Designed by Eva Bernstein. Illustrated by Meg Biddle.

Special thanks to our medical, professional and audience reviewers. ©2010 Journeyworks Publishing. All rights reserved. Please do not duplicate. Printed on recycled paper.

Title #5653 ISBN 978-1-56885-653-7

For ordering information contact: JOURNEYWORKS PUBLISHING

P.O. Box 8466 • Santa Cruz • CA 95061 800 • 775 °1998 www.journeyworks.com

GET THE FACTS

ALCOHOL POISONING

ALCOHOL POISONING: WARNING SIGNS AND WHAT TO DO

Alcoholpoisoningis a medical emergencythat can lead to death. Ifyou drink, or have friends who drink, you should know the factsabout alcoholpoisoning.

Binge drinking (drinking too much,toofast)can lead to alcoholpoisoning.

For most men, binge drinking means 5 or more drinks in 2 hours. For most women, it means 4 or more drinks in 2 hours. Binge drinking can cause your blood alcohol level to rise to an unsafe and toxic level. When this happens it is called alcohol poisoning. Drinking games can lead to alcohol poisoning.

What can happen if someone gets alcohol poisoning?

Alcohol poisoning can cause the brain to shut down. Body functions controlled by the brain are affected. The heart can stop beating. Or a person may stop breathing. It can cause severe vomiting, seizures, brain damage and even death.

Alcoholpoisoningis a medical emergency.

If you think someone has alcohol poisoning, take action. Call 911 or your local emergency number. Don't be afraid to get medical help for a friend who has had too much to drink even if you think they would be angry or embarrassed. Your action can save their life! Never try to sober up someone that has had too much to drink. Putting the person to bed, giving them food, coffee or a cold shower won't work. These things could even harm the person.

Canythis pocket guide in your wallet Know the signs and how to get help!

ALCOHOLPOISONING WARNINGSIGNS

• Mental confusion

• Passingout and not waking up

• Seizures w

• Slow breathing (fewer than 8 breaths § per minute) or irregular breathing g2

(10 seconds or more between breaths) 0

! "'

• Severevomiting(may happen even when sleeping)

w I a •Cold, clammy or blue skin

CALL911 If someonehas been drinking and showsANYof the warning signs!