What Is an Alcohol Overdose?
An alcohol overdose occurs when there is so much alcohol in the bloodstream that areas of the brain controlling basic life-support functions—such as breathing, heart rate, and temperature control—begin to shut down.
Symptoms of alcohol overdose include mental confusion, difficulty remaining conscious, vomiting, seizure, trouble breathing, slow heart rate, clammy skin, dulled responses such as no gag reflex (which prevents choking), and extremely low body temperature.
As BAC Increases—So Do the Risks
Average Drinkers underestimate their alcohol exposure. Understanding alcohol equivalents is important, 5oz of wine approximately equals 1.5 oz. of a hard liquor (vodka); BUT next time you see your Bartender pour your liquor, notice the extra Free Pour.
As blood alcohol concentration (BAC) increases, so does the effect of alcohol—as well as the risk of harm. Even small increases in BAC can decrease motor coordination, make a person feel sick, and cloud judgment.
Role of the Toxicologist
Address evidence as it pertains to the criminal case.
Communicate a logical process & conclusions in plain language to judge and jury.
Frame the drug evidence into two questions:
Is the drug test result valid?
Is this relevant
to this case?
Consider Widmark Formula to determineBlood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) at the time of the incident! Toxicologists are trained to utilize complex validated formulas to determine the BAC at the time of the incident, this can completely make or break a criminal case.
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