It’s estimated between 250,000 and 500,000 people visit Galveston during spring break. As the second most popular spring break destination in the US, things are bound to happen like a little too much drinking and partying. As a Galveston emergency room located right in the center of it all, it’s inevitable that we’ll have to treat a number of patients for alcohol poisoning during this time of year.
*Alcohol poisoning can be life-threatening, so you should rush someone to a Galveston emergency room if you’re at all concerned.
Alcohol Poisoning Facts Courtesy of Galveston Emergency Room
What Makes Alcohol Poisoning So Dangerous?
Too much of anything can be harmful. When it comes to alcohol, drinking too much too fast can lead to coma or death as a result of slowed breathing, heart rate, body temperature, and gag reflex.
What are the Symptoms of Alcohol Poisoning and How Should You Respond?
Although there are a range of different symptoms, you should take someone to the emergency room or call 911 even if you notice just one of the symptoms below.
- Vomiting
- Confusion
- Seizures
- Slow breathing (less than eight breaths a minute)
- Irregular breathing (a gap of more than 10 seconds between breaths)
- Blue-tinged skin or pale skin
- Low body temperature (hypothermia)
- Passing out (unconsciousness) and can’t be awakened
It’s also important to never leave someone who is unconscious. Monitor them and ensure they are placed in a proper recovery position to vomit if necessary. Keep them sitting up or put their head to the side. There have been numerous cases where people choked on their own vomit because they were ‘too out of it’ to move their head on their own.
How Can You Be Prepared?
Parents should talk to their kids about the dangers of binge drinking and signs to watch out for. Parents can also encourage their kids to call 911 if they’re see someone with any of the symptoms above. As much as you tell your kids not to drink during Spring Break, it’s not possible to control everyone around them. Hopefully, you can find a couple of the more responsible friends to keep an eye out for anyone who might run into trouble.
Parents, read more about teenage parenting topics right here: Take the Cool Out of Binge Drinking and Raising Responsible Teen Drivers.
