Setting the scene
Possible alcohol overdose: emergencies lesson
Real moments. A few choices. Words that work.
Call 911 and stay with them. Practice the moment in a short Surefoot lesson.
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It is late at a dorm party. Your friend had a lot to drink earlier, then lay down in a quiet room. You go to check on them.
Your friend drank a lot, will not wake up and is breathing slowly.
What do you do?
- Call 911 and stay with them.
- Let them sleep it off.
Recommended
Call 911 and stay with them.
Call 911 in the US or local emergency services for suspected overdose. Stay with the person and follow dispatcher instructions. Do not wait for all symptoms or let them sleep it off; coffee and cold showers do not reverse overdose.
Your next step
Call 911 and stay with them.
Words you can use
“Please call emergency services. I will stay with them.”
Sources: NIH / NIAAA
Questions about “Possible alcohol overdose”
Why should I call 911 immediately instead of letting my friend sleep it off?
Calling 911 immediately is necessary because alcohol levels in the bloodstream continue to rise even after someone stops drinking, which can cause breathing to stop completely. Letting an unconscious person sleep it off puts them at risk of severe brain damage or death as their body continues to absorb alcohol.
Source: NIH / NIAAA
How can I tell the 911 dispatcher what is happening in my own words?
You can tell the dispatcher, "My friend drank a lot, will not wake up, and is breathing very slowly." State your exact location clearly and let them know you are staying with your friend until help arrives.
Source: NIH / NIAAA
What should I do if my friend starts throwing up while waiting for 911?
Roll your friend onto their side into the recovery position so they do not choke on their vomit. Keep their head tilted slightly forward and remain with them to monitor their breathing until medical responders take over.
Source: NIH / NIAAA
How can I help my friend once the medical emergency is over?
You can support your friend after an emergency by offering a nonjudgmental space to talk about what happened and connecting them with campus health resources. Reassure them that seeking emergency medical help was the safest choice for their survival.
Source: NIH / NIAAA
Last updated October 12, 2026.