First Aid

There were quite a few times in my first year when people had a bit too much to drink and they needed looking after, but there were also other times were alcohol wasn't the problem and I had no idea how to help. After some quick googling and reading up on a few things I've got the low down.

PANIC ATTACKS: Panic attacks are part of the body's reaction to fear/excitement/stress and are a more common problem than you would first believe. When someone experiences a panic attack they can show a range of symptoms, these include: rapid or uncomfortable breathing, heightened heart rate, shaking and feeling faint. These symptoms usually last for between five to ten minutes, but can last longer, and leave the sufferer feeling panicked, as the name would suggest.

One way to help someone who is having a panic attack is to try and help them regain normal breathing. You can do this by making them breathe with you, you could start by breathing in for two seconds and out for two and then slowly increase this until they are breathing normally.

Another way to help is to reassure them. Keep calm and let them know that they are safe. Although what they are experiencing is scary, there is no danger, you will look after them and they will get through the attack.

Finally, ask them if there is anything they need or anything you can do for them. Don't assume that they need something, ask them. 

ALCOHOL POISONING: Sometimes alcohol can lead to someone becoming out of control of their own body and in situations like this they may need your help. If someone is vomiting, breathing irregularly, unconscious or conscious but not responding then they may be suffering from alcohol poisoning.

If someone is showing signs of alcohol poisoning, try to keep them awake and sitting up. Give them water to drink if they can and keep them warm. Stay with them and monitor their symptoms and how severe they are. If they have passed out then check their breathing and put them into the recovery position.

Don't leave them to just sleep it off or force them to vomit. Don't put them in a cold shower or allow them to drink anymore alcohol. 

If their symptoms are worsening or are not improving then seek help, and/or ring the emergency services.

DRINK SPIKING: If someone has put something into your drink that you were unaware of it could leave you in really dangerous situation. Symptoms of having your drink spiked include: loss of balance, blackouts, nausea, vomiting and blurred vision. 

If you are worried that yours, or someone elses, drink has been spiked find someone you trust such as a close friend, relative, medical professional or the police. Get them/yourself to a safe place but be wary of strangers and do not leave with someone you don't know. 

If you/they feel unwell then you/they need to be taken to A&E. Tell them that you think your/their drink has been spiked and arrange for friends/relatives to take you/them home and stay with you/them until the drugs have fully left your/their system.

Also, try and report it to the police as soon as possible, as most drugs leave the body within 72 hours of being taken.

AN OVERDOSE: An overdose occurs when someone takes more of a substance than is recommended for human consumption, this could be accidental or purposeful. Signs of an overdose include: empty pill packets or missing pills, vomiting, difficulty breathing, lack of coordination or unconsciousness. 

If you believe that someone has overdosed then try and find out what they took and how much, don't leave them on their own and monitor their symptoms. Call an ambulance straight away and don't let them drink or eat anything. Don't let them sleep, encourage them to throw up or try and put them under a shower.

If you're in doubt about any of these things you can ring the NHS direct on 111 to ask for advice, or if it is an emergency ring 999 immediately.

These situations all sound pretty scary but unfortunately they do happen and it's better to be prepared!