Knowing the signs of alcohol poisoning can literally save a friend's life. Alcohol is a depressant that can shut down the body's involuntary actions, such as breathing and the gag reflex.

Use the acronym C.U.P.S. to remember the most critical symptoms:

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🚨 The C.U.P.S. Guide

If you see even ONE of these signs, call 911 immediately.

• C — Cold/Clammy Skin: Skin may also appear bluish or pale. This indicates a drop in body temperature (hypothermia).

• U — Unconscious: The person is "passed out" and cannot be woken up by shouting or shaking.

• P — Puking: Vomiting while passed out is extremely dangerous because the person may choke on their own vomit.

• S — Slow or Irregular Breathing: Fewer than 8 breaths per minute or a gap of more than 10 seconds between breaths.

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⚠️ What to Do (and What NOT to Do)

DO:

• Call 911 immediately. Do not wait for all the symptoms to appear.

• Stay with them. Never leave an intoxicated person alone to "sleep it off."

• The Bacchus Maneuver: If they are lying down, roll them onto their side and put their top hand under their head to keep them from rolling onto their back (this prevents choking if they vomit).

• Be Prepared: Have as much information as possible ready for the paramedics (how much they drank, if they took anything else, etc.).

DON'T:

• Don't give them a cold shower (the shock could cause them to pass out or worsen hypothermia).

• Don't give them coffee (caffeine dehydrates the body further).

• Don't try to make them vomit (their gag reflex may not work, causing them to choke).

• Don't tell them to "walk it off" (their coordination is impaired, leading to falls/injury).

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🛡️ UCM Medical Amnesty Policy

At UCM, your safety is more important than a conduct violation. Under Medical Amnesty policies, students who seek medical assistance for themselves or others due to alcohol or drug overconsumption are typically shielded from certain university disciplinary actions.

Don’t let the fear of "getting in trouble" stop you from calling 911. You could save a life.