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Diagnosing an OD/Alcohol Poisoning

After hearing about a buddy of mine who drank a rum and coke (of which amounted to probably four shots of rum) after not eating anything at all for that day, and then a recounting of what happened thereafter (general loss of consciousness and bodily control after trying to stand up too fast), I realized that I have no idea when someone's going to need more emergency care than holding their head out of the toilet water while they puke.

Edit: This concern is compounded by the fact that two of my friends who were with said buddy both called their parents, who were in the medical profession, to get advice on the situation.

So my question is, what are the symptoms of alcohol poisoning, when should I turn them over on their stomach and let them sleep it off, when should I grab an RA for help, when should I dial 911. You know, things a college student should know.

I suppose I'd also like to know and would appreciate info on other narcotic OD symptoms, too.

Edit: PS: My friend's just fine.

From the first Google search result for "alcohol poisoning"

Quote:

PASSING OUT DOESN'T MEAN SLEEPING IT OFF

Alcohol Poisoning: A Medical Emergency How can you tell if someone is about to become a victim of alcohol poisoning?

And if they are what can you do to help?

Signs and Symptoms:

Unconscious or semiconsciousness.

Slow respiration (breaths) of eight or less per minute or lapses between breaths of more than eight seconds.

Cold, clammy, pale or bluish skin. In the event of alcohol poisoning, these signs and symptoms will most likely be accompanied by a strong odor of alcohol. While these are obvious signs of alcohol poisoning, the list is certainly not all inclusive.

Appropriate Action:

If you encounter a person who exhibits one or more of the signs and symptoms CALL 911. Do what you would do in any medical emergency--call immediately.
While waiting for 911 emergency transport, gently turn the intoxicated person on his/her side and maintain that position by placing a pillow in the small of the person's back. This is important to prevent aspiration (choking) should the person vomit. Stay with the person until medical help arrives. If a person appears to be "sleeping it off" it is important to realize that even though a person may be semi-conscious, alcohol already in the stomach may continue to enter the bloodstream and circulate throughout the body. The person's life may still be in danger. If you are having difficulty in determining whether an individual is acutely intoxicated, contact a health professional immediately--you cannot afford to guess.
Reprinted from National Council on Drug and Alcohol Dependence

http://www.brad21.org/alcohol_poisoning.html

Yea, thats not a good thing, I have had that once but I threw up and it went away by its self I thought I was going to die I had blood coming out of my mouth and it would not stop bleeding I passed out when I woke up I threw up and it was all better.

As a professional Juke joint Jezebel.. and Drug addict..I say..Pm me for discussion.

Working at our Accident & Emergency Department I'll just say 1 thing.

The Emergency Department is there for that one thing, an Emergency. A general good rule of thumb is that if you believe someone's "ABC's" are in jeopardy and your struggling to protect them then they need to be down the ED. So that's check Airway, Breathing and Circulation (also large haemorrage or suspected broken bones should attend as well). However, if YOU feel there is a serious problem it's better to be safe then sorry.

I have dealt with this situation more times than I can count on my 2 hands. Basically look for 2 things, the biggest is puking blood. That is a definate sign of Alcohol posioning. The second is consiousness. This way is not always easy to tell. I always see if they know their full name. If they respond with it they are generally fine. Then to be safe check the hands, if they are cold and clammy it is another sign. If they have had too much to drink, just give them lots of water and let them puke. And never let them sleep until they have stopped puking. If you need more advice just PM me...