Substance
Ethanol

Pathology
CNS depression; effects can be additive when combined with other CNS depressants.

Symptoms
Impaired motor coordination, slurred speech, inebriation, ataxia, peripheral vasodilation, rapid pulse, nausea, vomiting, drowsiness, stupor, coma, peripheral vascular collapse, hypotension, tachycardia, hypothermia, death from respiratory or circulatory failure.

Emergency Measures
Provide intravenous fluids, esp. with dextrose, to prevent hypoglycemia. Give patient thiamine. Provide other supportive measures, including airway control and ventilation, external warming, and prophylaxis against alcohol withdrawal symptoms as indicated.

Comments
Ethanol is often coingested with other toxic substances in suicide attempts; emergency treatment may vary depending on other substances ingested.