One of the stereotypical dangers of college is binge drinking, and without knowledge of what symptoms are dangerous, many can suffer from severe blood alcohol poisoning.
Blood alcohol level is the percentage of alcohol in an individual’s body and is the standard of measuring for alcohol poisoning which, due to alcohol being a depressant, slows down the body and, at high levels, can shut down vital processes. It is important to know the symptoms of poisoning so that medical help can be sought when it is needed.
Blood alcohol poisoning has stages of impairment, according to the National Institute of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. The first stage is mild impairment and it starts when the blood alcohol levels are from 0.01 percent to 0.05 percent. This stage is known as being “buzzed” and the effects are minor with small impairments to speech, motor control and memory as well as drowsiness. Following this stage is a time of increased impairment as blood alcohol reaches 0.06 percent to 0.15 percent. The body can have difficulty doing most physical actions, aggression can increase and judgment is impaired. From 0.16 percent to 0.3 percent, the body is severely impaired and it can begin to have life threatening consequences. Vomiting, passing out, blacking out, a lack of mental capabilities and trouble functioning are all symptoms.
Finally, at 0.31 percent and up, the blood alcohol level is life threatening. The body suppresses life support functions, consciousness is doubtful and the symptoms of severe poisoning such as hypothermia, hypoglycemia, heart issues and the person’s breathing can stop. At this point, the drinker needs medical attention immediately. Blood alcohol levels will continue to rise even once the individual stops drinking due to undigested alcohol in the stomach. At the hospital symptoms can be stabilized and the stomach pumped to prevent further poisoning. Many students will refuse to seek medical attention, however, due to fear of the law.
This is where the amnesty policy comes into play. According to Blackburn’s Director of Campus Safety Morrie Fraser there are two separate amnesty policies: one for the state and one for the Blackburn campus. The state policy protects anyone from possible charges if they call for medical help for another person. This policy does not protect the unconscious person for whom the help was sought. The Blackburn policy protects anyone involved with calling for assistance, including caller and the student needing medical attention. This policy was created in order to allow students to focus on finding help for the person in need without having to worry about the consequences. The policy is used maybe once a semester according to Fraser.
Blackburn’s amnesty policy does not need any paperwork filed before hand, nor does the individual have to claim it as it comes into play automatically. If a student calls the police or an ambulance for help, the Blackburn amnesty policy is immediately initiated and, although students may be asked questions or need to report, it will not affect them in any way.