If you suspect a friend has alcohol poisoning, what should you do first?

• A. Call 911 and wait for help to arrive
• B. Put them to bed
• C. Give them water
• D. Drive them to the hospital yourself

Answer: (A)

When someone may have alcohol poisoning, you must get professional help as soon as possible. This is a medical emergency because breathing can slow or stop, the person may lose consciousness, or choke on vomit. The first and best action is to call emergency services and wait for them to arrive. They can assess airway, breathing, and circulation, provide life-saving care, and transport to a hospital if needed.

While waiting for help, stay with the person and monitor their breathing. If they are unconscious or not waking up, place them on their side in the recovery position to keep the airway clear and reduce the risk of choking, and do not leave them alone. Do not give them water or food, do not try to “sober them up,” and do not drive them to the hospital yourself. If their breathing stops or they become unresponsive and you are trained, begin CPR and call for additional help.