What should be your biggest priority when a patient smells like alcohol and is becoming less responsive?

In the scenario where a patient exhibits a smell of alcohol and is becoming less responsive, the highest priority should be to gather as much information as possible before the patient's condition deteriorates further. This is critical because understanding the patient's medical history, recent activities, and any potential substance use can significantly influence the care and interventions required.

Collecting this information can assist in identifying the level of intoxication, the necessity of other medical interventions, and any underlying conditions that may require immediate attention. For example, knowledge of potential alcohol poisoning or other substances could dictate the urgency and type of medical response needed.

While administering oxygen may seem beneficial, without thorough assessment of the patient’s airway and level of consciousness, it may not address the underlying problem if the patient’s breathing is impaired or if there are additional medical concerns. Additionally, although calling for advanced medical assistance is essential in such cases, having more information can expedite their treatment upon arrival and improve patient outcomes. Positioning the patient for comfort might not be appropriate or effective if the decline in responsiveness continues, and medical personnel need to maintain the airway to prevent aspiration or further complications.

Thus, obtaining critical information allows responders to approach the situation with a clear understanding and prepare for subsequent interventions or necessary transport to emergency medical services.