Some students feel the need to keep-up to their buddies when it comes to consuming enormous amounts of alcohol. Although initially that may seem like a great idea, one more keg-stand may be the difference between a wild night out and a trip to the hospital.

According to the Middlesex-London Health Unit, drinking too much alcohol at a fast rate is like pouring poison into your body.

“Alcohol depresses the central nervous system. When you drink a lot really fast, your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) rises to the point of depressing the areas in your brain that control breathing, heart rate and level of consciousness,” warns Health Unit. “The result is coma that can progress to death.”

Because the central nervous system controls involuntary bodily movements, like the gag reflex, over consuming alcohol numbs the natural movements and can result in choking and quite possibly asphyxiation.

Many don't know that a person's BAC can continue to rise even while he or she is passed out. Even after a person stops drinking, alcohol in the stomach and intestine continues to enter the bloodstream and circulate throughout the body. It is dangerous to assume the person will be fine by sleeping it off.

Symptoms of alcohol poisoning

- Unconsciousness, “sleeping” passed out — you cannot wake the person up.

- Cold, clammy, pale or bluish skin.

- Slow breathing, less than eight breaths per minute, or irregular breathing, with 10 seconds or more between breaths.

- Vomiting while passed out, and not waking up after vomiting.

If a person has any of these symptoms they are likely suffering from alcohol poisoning. It is important for them to receive medical attention.

The Bacchus Maneuver

1. Raise the person's closest arm above his/her head. Prepare to roll him towards you.

2. Gently roll the person as a unit. Guard his/her head as you roll.

3. Tilt head to maintain airway. Tuck nearest hand under cheek to help maintain head tilt.
4. Check him/her often.