Ethanol is an active toxic contained in all alcoholic beverages. Ethanol can weaken and suppress the activity of the nerve central system (brain and spinal cord), which controls the psychomotoric skills such as body coordination and reaction gestures.
Another effect is disturbing body activities such as speaking limbs, reduced hearing and reduced the eye movements. Alcohol can also reduce the level of awareness and self-control behavior.Consuming alcohol will lead to a false sense of excitement. Alcohol may act like a stimulant but in fact alcohol is the cause of depression (depressant).
According to Stanley M. Zildo as quoted from his book 'First Aid, How to Properly Handling First Aid and Emergency', alcohol overdose symptoms such as reduced body coordination, slurred speech, abnormal breathing, tend not aware, there is the possibility of red eyes and coma.
If you encounter any of these symptoms, immediately do these following steps:
1. If the victim was asleep with his pulse and his respiration were normal, wake up him with shaking his body or call his name. In this case, the victim did not require an emergency treatment.
2. Place the victim in a safe place so he will not injure hinself then continue to monitor his condition.
3. If the victim is unconscious or can not be awakened and his breath looks abnormal or victim in a coma, try to keep his respiratory pathway smooth.
4. Immediately take the victim to the hospital.