Setting the scene
Call 911 now and follow dispatcher instructions
Real moments. A few choices. Words that work.
Call 911, stay with her and follow the dispatcher. Practice the moment in a short Surefoot lesson.
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You stayed with Jess after she suddenly became confused and dizzy. Now she has slumped over on the couch.
She cannot be awakened and her breathing is irregular.
What comes first?
- Call 911 now and follow dispatcher instructions.
- Wait to see if she wakes up.
Recommended
Call 911 now and follow dispatcher instructions.
This is an emergency. Stay with her. If unconscious but breathing, roll her onto her side; follow dispatcher instructions for breathing problems or CPR. Unexpected dizziness, confusion, or impairment warrants prompt help. If someone cannot be awakened, has a seizure, or has slow or irregular breathing, call 911 immediately.
Your next step
Call 911, stay with her and follow the dispatcher.
Words you can use
“Something feels wrong. Stay with me.”
Sources: NIH / NIAAA
Questions about “Something feels wrong.”
Why does calling 911 immediately help someone who cannot be awakened?
Calling 911 immediately ensures that trained medical professionals can respond right away to life-threatening signs of alcohol poisoning or medical distress, such as unconsciousness and irregular breathing. Waiting for symptoms to clear or assuming someone will sleep it off can lead to severe harm or death. Getting emergency responders on the phone also allows the dispatcher to give you real-time instructions on how to handle breathing issues or provide CPR until help arrives.
Source: NIH / NIAAA
How can I tell a 911 dispatcher what is happening in my own words?
You can say, "I need an ambulance because my friend cannot be awakened and her breathing is irregular." State your location clearly and describe exactly what you see without worrying about having precise medical terms. The dispatcher will ask specific questions to guide you and tell you what physical steps to take next while help is on the way.
Source: NIH / NIAAA
What should I do if my unconscious friend is breathing but I am waiting for the ambulance?
If your friend is unconscious but breathing, carefully roll her onto her side into the recovery position so she does not choke if she vomits. Stay right next to her to continuously monitor her breathing and stay on the line with the 911 dispatcher until emergency personnel walk through the door.
Source: NIH / NIAAA
What should I avoid doing if someone passes out after drinking?
You should never leave an unconscious person alone to sleep it off, give them a cold shower, or try to force them to eat or drink. These common missteps do not reverse an overdose and can lead to dangerous outcomes like choking, hypothermia, or delayed medical care.
Source: NIH / NIAAA
How can I help a friend recover safely after a medical emergency like this?
You can help a friend after a emergency by staying supportive, avoiding judgment, and encouraging them to follow up with campus health or professional medical resources. Simply reassuring them with words like "Something feels wrong, stay with me" during the event and checking in on their physical and emotional well-being afterward helps them process what happened safely.
Source: NIH / NIAAA
Last updated October 11, 2026.