Dangers Of NYE Overindulgence In The Face Of a Pandemic

One thing is for certain about 2020 and the COVID-19 Pandemic, it has caused us to move away from the traditional sense of how we hold celebrations. New Year’s Eve is typically a holiday celebrated by many in large social gatherings, at parties, or at bars.  However, this year, many popular settings are “off limits” and public festivities have turned into intimate at-home events.  While the number of COVID-19 cases are on the rise again, mixed with the increasing number of Flu positive cases; it is projected that most of the population will stay in, have smaller gatherings or in some cases decide to celebrate alone this year.  Why does this cause concern, especially from an Emergency Room’s viewpoint?

New Year’s Eve is the #1 holiday for the overuse of alcohol.  Many seek an ER this time of year either from injuries or events related to alcohol use.  While the choice to stay home this New Year’s Eve may decrease the number of alcohol related traffic accidents, it may cause an increase in the risk of overindulgence of alcohol.

When is it too much and when you should visit the nearest emergency room?

If you, a loved one, or a friend experience any of the following symptoms after drinking; it has crossed the line as having too much!  By taking immediate action, getting this person to an emergency room, and obtaining help from emergency experts you could be taking a life saving measure. If the person cannot breathe, is choking, having seizures, or is unresponsive; do not hesitate and call 911 immediately.

Know signs and symptoms of alcohol poisoning:

  • Confusion
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Slurred speech
  • Unconsciousness and unresponsiveness
  • Aggression
  • Seizures
  • Slow breathing

Complications from alcohol poisoning:

  • Choking on vomit
  • Dehydration
  • Seizures due to low blood sugar levels
  • Brain damage
  • Hypothermia – the body temperature drops below normal

Emergency treatment for alcohol poisoning:

At Riverside ER, our experts are specialized in emergency care.  The doctors may administer the following treatments to someone suffering from alcohol poisoning:

  • Oxygen for slowed or irregular breathing
  • IV fluids for dehydration
  • Thiamin and glucose for low blood sugar and preventing brain damage

Note, alcohol poisoning cannot be treated with home remedies like drinking coffee or taking more powerful stimulant drugs. Stimulants do not reverse the effects of alcohol and may complicate symptoms, create new health risks, and make treatment more difficult.

Once symptoms start to occur, they may continue and worsen. A trip to the ER can prevent this from happening. It can hold off the worst overdose symptoms by getting treatment as quickly as possible.

If you delay in taking someone showing signs and symptoms to an ER or in serious cases calling 911, this person could be at risk for brain damage, heart attack, stroke, liver damage and death. Treatments given by Emergency Experts are vital for overcoming alcohol poisoning.

Ways to prevent alcohol poisoning:

    • Avoid drinking games: Games can put pressure on participants to binge drink.
    • Stay hydrated: Drink water after every alcoholic beverage.
    • Do not mix alcohol and medicine: Never drink alcohol while taking prescription medications.
    • Eat before and while consuming alcohol to slow its absorption into your body.
    • Know what you are drinking, and do not accept drinks from strangers. Some mixed drinks have more than one serving of alcohol in them.
    • Store alcohol away from children.
    • Be aware and take care of those around you. Look for the signs of overindulgence, monitor, and be situationally aware of those you think may need your assistance should an unfortunate event occur.

    The Experts here at Riverside ER would like to wish you and yours a Happy New Year!  We hope everyone celebrates safely, responsibly, and that no one overindulges this year; but if needed we are here to assist with emergency care 24/7 even through the holiday.