Keep Your Passengers Safe: Know the Signs of Alcohol Poisoning

Rideshare drivers see a lot of things behind the wheel. Whether it is on the road or in their back seat, they have many stories to tell. A rideshare driver’s most important job is to get their passengers from point A to point B safely. People use Lyft, Uber, and other rideshare platforms to commute, run errands, and for fun. When people have too much to drink, they order a ride. Many people choose to ring in the New Year with a glass of bubbly in their hand before needing a ride home. 

No one plans on drinking too much, but it can happen to anyone. Celebrations and parties are the perfect situations where people can find themselves having had too much to drink. With New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day being some of the busiest nights for drinkers and rideshare drivers, it’s important to know the signs of alcohol poisoning. Whether you’re with a friend or driving people around, if you know the signs, you could save a life.

1. Unconsciousness - It can be very dangerous if a person has been drinking and passes out or loses consciousness and are unable to be awakened.
2. Blue Skin - If their skin is very pale or tinged blue, they could be suffering from alcohol poisoning. In cold climates, make sure it’s not hypothermia, which is also a dangerous condition. 
3. Low Body Temperatures - They may be cold from the weather, but it could also be alcohol.
4. Vomiting
5. Seizures - Whether it is alcohol poisoning or a health condition, this is serious. 
6. Irregular Breathing - It’s dangerous if there are less than eight breaths a minute, gaps of ten seconds or more, and or shallow breathing. 
7. Confusion

A person does not have to have all of the symptoms to be suffering from alcohol poisoning. Some people suffer from only one symptom and have a serious case, while others may present several symptoms and have a mild case. Either way, it is very dangerous and should be taken seriously no matter what. 

If you are with someone who could be suffering from alcohol poisoning, you need to help them. These symptoms can lead to death if not treated properly. See a doctor immediately if the person cannot be awakened, suffers from seizures, stops breathing, or is turning blue. Call 911 or drive them to the Emergency Room. Answer any questions medical personnel ask as honestly and fully as you can; it could save the person’s life. If the person is vomiting, make sure they are on their side or sitting up, and do not leave them alone. Laying on their back could lead to choking and asphyxiation. 

If you suspect someone is suffering from alcohol poisoning, do not leave them alone.