Center for Alcohol and Substance Education at the University of Virginia

Helping a Friend

First Aid for Intoxicated People

If a person is drunk and belligerent, it is best not to be verbally confrontational or aggressive in any way. Joking, kidding, bargaining, and enlisting the help of friends are the best way to deal with a belligerent person. It is important to speak clearly and calmly and to try to coax the person to a quiet place where he/she can calm down. If repeated attempts to calm the person down are unsuccessful, it is best to enlist outside intervention

 

REMEMBER: An intoxicated person is not rational. The alcohol has affected judgment, and you cannot reason with him/her. The person may become violent and uncooperative and you may need to prevent harm to yourself or others. If the person is being destructive and uncontrollable, call for assistance, up to and including the police. If a person is very intoxicated and staggering, vomiting or passing/passed out, he/she may need emergency care. Try to get the individual in bed and follow the guidelines listed below.

 

Guidelines for Immediate Care
  • BAC can continue to rise after one stops drinking. Never leave a person alone to sleep it off.
  • Protect the person from injury.
  • Keep the person still and comfortable.
  • Stay with a drunk person who is vomiting.
  • If the person is in bed, make sure the person is on his/her side—not back. Make sure the airway remain open in case of vomiting. If possible, prop something behind the person to ensure he/she doesn’t roll over. See the Bacchus Maneuver.
  • Speak in a clear, firm, soothing voice. Comfort and reassure the person.
    If the person is unresponsive, get emergency medical care immediately.
  • If the situation has the potential to get worse overnight or you feel uncomfortable handling it, call 911.

 

Guidelines for Emergency Care

Changes in four basic physical signs indicate an emergency situation. If one of these signs is out of normal range, call 911 immediately. If vital signs are slowing, do not wait – get emergency help! Remember P-U-B-S:

  • Pulse:  Should be between 50 and 140 beats per minute, not irregular
  • Unresponsive:  Does not respond to a firm pinch.
  • Breathing:  Should be at least 9 breaths per minute, not slow and shallow
  • Skin:  Should not be cold, clammy or blue

 

Guidelines for Obtaining Medical Assistance
  • Call 911 and identify yourself to the 911 operator.
  • State your problem and what you feel you need.
  • Give the specific location of the incident and the phone number.
  • Stay there until help arrives and call your RA or a sober friend.
  • There is no charge for services provided by the Charlottesville/Albemare Rescue Squad.

 

DO NOT administer anything orally (food, coffee, water, etc.). It can induce vomiting.

DO NOT give the person a cold shower. The shock could cause the person to pass out and result in injuries.

DO NOT try to exercise the person. The person could fall and cause injury.

DO NOT try to restrain the person without (sober) assistance.