Remember: You’re not responsible for making someone drink less, but you are responsible for helping them stay safe once they’re drunk. When in doubt, get professional medical help – it’s better to overreact than to have someone get seriously hurt.

Helping intoxicated friends is part of event safety. Here’s how to do it responsibly:

Assessing the Situation

Dangerous Intoxication Signs

• Unconsciousness: Can’t wake them up or keep them awake
• Vomiting while unconscious: Risk of choking
• Irregular breathing: Slow, shallow, or stopped breathing
• Cold, clammy skin: Pale or bluish skin color
• Confusion and disorientation: Don’t know where they are or who you are
• Unable to walk: Complete loss of motor control

Manageable Drunk vs. Medical Emergency

• Manageable: Slurred speech, unsteady but walking, aware of surroundings
• Medical emergency: Unconscious, not responsive, vomiting while unconscious
• When in doubt: Treat as medical emergency and get professional help

Immediate Response

Keep Them Safe

• Stay with them: Never leave an unconscious person alone
• Recovery position: If unconscious, turn them on their side to prevent choking
• Clear airways: Remove any vomit from mouth, keep head tilted
• Keep warm: Cover with jacket or blanket to prevent hypothermia
• Monitor breathing: Check every few minutes

Get Professional Help When

• They’re unconscious: Call 999 immediately
• Vomiting while unconscious: This is life-threatening
• Difficulty breathing: Emergency medical situation
• Hit their head: Could have concussion plus alcohol poisoning
• Mixed substances: Alcohol plus drugs is extremely dangerous

Practical Help Strategies

Getting Them Home Safely

• Uber/Bolt with supervision: Someone sober must accompany them
• Call their family: Parents, siblings, roommates who can help
• Your place: If closer and safer than their home
• Hotel room: If staying overnight for events
• Never leave alone: Even in taxi – ride with them

Managing Vomiting

• Support them: Hold their hair, help them lean forward
• Water for rinsing: Small sips to clean mouth, don’t force drinking
• Clean up: Ask venue staff for cleaning supplies or help
• Fresh air: Get them outside if possible
• Bucket/bag: Ask venue staff for container in case of more vomiting

What NOT to Do

Dangerous Mistakes

• Don’t give more alcohol: “Hair of the dog” makes poisoning worse
• Don’t force water: Can cause vomiting if they’re very drunk
• Don’t let them sleep it off: If showing serious symptoms
• Don’t try to make them vomit: Only if they haven’t already started
• Don’t leave them alone: Even for “just a minute”

Common Bad Ideas

• Cold showers: Can cause shock or falling injuries
• Coffee: Doesn’t sober them up, just creates alert drunk person
• Exercise: Walking it off works only for mild intoxication
• More food: Can cause vomiting if they’re already nauseous

Nairobi-Specific Considerations

Getting Medical Help

• Private hospitals: Nairobi Hospital, Aga Khan faster than public
• Emergency numbers: 999 for ambulance, though response can be slow
• Taxi to hospital: Often faster than waiting for ambulance
• Event medical: Large events usually have on-site medical staff

Cultural Sensitivity

• Family involvement: Many Kenyan families expect to be called for medical issues
• Gender considerations: Same-gender friends should handle bathroom needs
• Religious concerns: Some families have specific medical preferences
• Privacy: Don’t broadcast their condition on social media

Venue Cooperation

• Security help: Most venue security will assist with medical issues
• Manager involvement: Serious situations require venue manager notification
• Incident reports: Venues may require documentation for liability
• Cooperation: Work with venue staff, don’t be confrontational

Prevention Strategies

Before Going Out

• Eat substantial meals: Food slows alcohol absorption
• Set limits: Agree on maximum drinks before going out
• Designate driver: Or arrange safe transport home
• Buddy system: Partners look out for each other
• Emergency contacts: Program ICE numbers in everyone’s phones

During Events

• Pace drinking: One drink per hour maximum
• Water between drinks: Stay hydrated throughout
• Watch each other: Friends monitor friends’ consumption
• Intervene early: Stop someone before they get dangerously drunk
• Know when to leave: Exit before problems start

Group Responsibility

• Collective safety: Everyone looks out for everyone
• Sober supervision: At least one person stays relatively sober
• Regular check-ins: “How’s everyone doing?” every hour
• Exit strategy: Plan how to get everyone home safely
• Emergency fund: Group money for unexpected medical or transport costs

Legal and Social Considerations

Legal Issues

• Public intoxication: Police can arrest for drunk and disorderly conduct
• Venue liability: Some venues may ban entire groups for one person’s behavior
• Driving: Never let drunk person drive, never drive drunk yourself
• Property damage: Groups may be liable for damage caused by drunk members

Social Responsibility

• Don’t take photos: Respect their privacy and dignity
• Don’t gossip: Keep medical issues confidential
• Follow up: Check on them the next day
• Learn from it: Discuss prevention strategies for future events

What to Do If You Feel Sick at an Event

Should You Eat Before Going to Events in Nairobi?

Hidden Costs of Attending Events in Kenya You Should Know