Handling A Medical Emergency

When you are at a party, and someone passes out, the tendency is to laugh about. Things might not be so funny, however. Alcohol poisoning, which is where the unconsciousness comes from, can have more long-lasting effects, and even in cases be fatal.

Danger Signs

1. Try to wake the person : Are they unconscious ? Do they respond to pinching of the skin or shouting their name ?
2. Check their skin colour and temperature : If the person is pale or bluish, or if the skin is cold or clammy, they may not be getting enough oxygen.
3. Check their breathing : If the person is breathing irregularly, with a few breaths and then nothing for a while, or if they are breathing very slowly or shallowly, this a sign that medical attention is necessary.

What Do You Do?

1. Seek emergency medical help if your friend shows any of the above signs.
2. Turn the person on their side and leave them only if necessary to call for medical assistance. If the person is on his or her side they may not choke if they get sick and vomit. Don't let them roll over onto their back.

What Shouldn't You Do?

1. Don't assume your semi-conscious or unconscious friend will be OK sleeping it off.
2. Don't let fear about how your friend may respond tomorrow prevent you from acting and getting help when they need it. It may be the greatest thing you could ever do in the name of friendship.
3. By the way, the best way to handle the situation is to stop it before it happens to a friend or to yourself.