This usually involves drugs for nausea and vomiting, an IV to rehydrate the body and observation. Occasionally the hospital must pump the stomach, but that is usually reserved for drug overdoses. Pumping toxins out of a patient's stomach is not pleasant for anyone involved. This works best when the patient is conscious, because the gag reflex must be working, so the tube can be swallowed. McGaha said that patients usually have to be held down by other doctors or security during this part of the process.
Liquid is pumped in, and it is sucked back out along with whatever is still in the stomach.
The contents fill a large bag, and it is thrown away. However, this is not the worst thing that can happen after a person has been drinking. Dr. Constance VanValer said that many rapes and sexual assaults occur after one or both parties have been drinking. Many women don't know how to remove themselves from a dangerous situation, and many others don't realize they are in a dangerous situation if they've had too much to drink. VanValer has no accurate statistics regarding sexual assault because most women won't go to the hospital after it has happened.