Experienced drinkers can also develop alcohol poisoning by consuming excessive quantities in a short time span, as may occur in pressured drinking situations such as initiations and contests. Alcohol enters the blood stream within 20 to 40 minutes, so by the time a person throws-up, the alcohol is usually out of the stomach. Most of the time, stomach contents are not removed in cases of alcohol overdose. However, on occasion the medical staff may decide to empty the stomach as a precaution to avoid choking if the person is likely to vomit. Also, if other drugs are suspected, the procedure will be done.
Alcohol poisoning is a medical emergency.
When the person goes to bed, the blood alcohol level could be on the rise. The person could, therefore, experience increasing medical distress as time passes. Also, there is always the danger of choking on vomit if the person throws-up while sleeping. Students taken to the hospital will be released to Whisler Health Center before being discharged back to their dorm. Students might stay just a short time at the hospital or may be kept for observation.