Shelby's Rules

Warning Signs of Alcohol Poisoning

Shelby's Rules

You should call 9-1-1 if you see someone exhibiting behavior that might indicate alcohol poisoning such as any of the following symptoms:

They are unresponsive and unable to be awakened
They have slow, shallow breathing (12 or fewer breaths per minute or time lapses of more than 8 seconds between breaths)
They have cold, clammy, pale or bluish skin
They have repeated, uncontrolled vomiting

After you call 9-1-1, place the person on his/her side with knees bent to prevent choking from vomiting. Do not leave that person alone!

How to Help a Drunk Friend
CONTINUALLY MONITOR THE INTOXICATED PERSON.
CHECK THEIR BREATHING, waking them often to be sure they are not unconscious.
A DRUNK PERSON should not be put in charge of another drunk person.
DO NOT exercise the person.
DO NOT allow the person to drive a car or ride a bicycle.
DO NOT give the person food, liquid, medicines or drugs to sober them up.
DO NOT give the person a cold shower; the shock of the cold could cause unconsciousness.
REMEMBER: THE ONLY THING THAT CAN SOBER A DRUNK PERSON IS TIME!

Know How Much Alcohol is Safe
In general, if you drink, you should only consume one drink per hour. A drink is defined as one 12-ounce beer, one 4-ounce glass of wine, one 10-ounce wine cooler or one 1-ounce of 80-proof hard alcohol. Factors such as body weight, height and body chemistry should also be considered. Many mixed drinks have more than one serving of alcohol. Be sure to know how much alcohol is in your drink.

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