Sharing drinks with family and friends during gatherings is often an enjoyable occasion. However, excessive alcohol consumption can easily lead to acute alcohol intoxication, which in severe cases may cause airway obstruction, respiratory depression, and even become life-threatening. Recently, a dramatic late-night emergency unfolded on a city street when a middle-aged man fell into a coma due to excessive drinking and was in critical condition. The emergency crew from Beijing 120 Fengtai Sub-center's Yuegezhuang Station rushed to the scene and successfully saved the patient's life through professional and standardized medical intervention.
On the night of the incident, the patient had attended a dinner gathering and consumed a large amount of alcohol within a short period of time. Initially, he experienced severe intoxication symptoms, including unsteady walking, dizziness, and vomiting. Shortly afterward, he became weak and limp, gradually lost consciousness, and eventually collapsed on the ground, unresponsive and in a deep coma. His companions noticed that his face was flushed, his breathing was abnormal, and he was repeatedly nauseated and vomiting. Realizing the seriousness of the situation when he failed to respond to any attempts to wake him, they immediately called the 120 emergency line for assistance.
Upon receiving the dispatch order, physician Qi Wenlong, nurse Wang Ziqing, driver Zhang Xiao, and stretcher bearer Xu Zejun assembled rapidly and headed to the scene without delay. Despite heavy nighttime traffic conditions, the emergency crew raced against time to reach the patient as quickly as possible and secure precious treatment time.
After arriving at the scene, Dr. Qi immediately conducted a comprehensive assessment of the patient. The patient was found to be suffering from severe acute alcohol intoxication, characterized by loss of consciousness, inability to respond, cold and clammy skin, frequent nausea and vomiting, and shallow, unstable breathing. He faced an imminent risk of aspiration and suffocation caused by vomit, as well as respiratory arrest.
The emergency team immediately initiated standardized rescue procedures with speed, professionalism, and coordination throughout the process. Dr. Qi first placed the patient in the side-lying position and promptly cleared vomit from the mouth and nose to maintain an open airway, a critical measure in preventing death from alcohol intoxication. Nurse Wang quickly connected monitoring equipment to continuously assess the patient's respiratory rate, heart rate, blood pressure, oxygen saturation, and other vital signs in order to evaluate the severity of the poisoning. Meanwhile, the driver and stretcher bearer assisted in protecting the patient from accidental injury while he remained unconscious.
To address alcohol overdose and circulatory instability, emergency personnel promptly administered oxygen therapy, intravenous fluids, supportive treatment to promote alcohol metabolism, and organ-protective measures. Following effective on-site treatment, the patient's breathing gradually stabilized, his complexion improved, vomiting subsided, and his vital signs became more stable. He slowly regained slight consciousness and was temporarily out of immediate danger.
To prevent subsequent complications such as recurrent deterioration, hypoglycemia, or prolonged coma, the emergency crew carefully transferred the patient onto a stretcher and secured him safely inside the ambulance. During transportation to the hospital, medical staff continuously monitored his condition, provided ongoing symptomatic treatment, and remained fully prepared for emergency resuscitation if necessary. The patient was ultimately delivered safely to the hospital, where the emergency crew successfully completed the handover to hospital medical staff, gaining valuable time for further treatment and recovery.
Beijing 120 reminds the public: During social gatherings and meals, drink in moderation and within your limits. Avoid drinking on an empty stomach, binge drinking, rapid consumption of large amounts of alcohol, or staying up late while drinking excessively. If symptoms of alcohol poisoning occur, such as severe dizziness, persistent vomiting, drowsiness, unconsciousness, unresponsiveness, or abnormal breathing, do not delay seeking medical attention. Do not attempt to induce vomiting, and never allow an intoxicated person to lie flat and sleep. Instead, place the person in a side-lying position immediately and call the 120 emergency line for professional assistance.