THE deaths of several young men from alcohol-related incidents in the past week have made some of us question where our society is heading.
These men have loved ones and families who are distraught at the senseless deaths that could have been avoided.
Earlier this week a 30-year-old man was found dead after his body was found motionless at the Naibita Village bus stop in Tailevu.
The man was pronounced dead on arrival after he was rushed to the hospital.
Chief operations officer ACP Maretino Qiolevu said in a separate incident a male victim who was heavily intoxicated was rushed to the Colonial War Memorial Hospital (CWMH) after falling from the edge of Struan St roundabout and landed on the Flea Market car park.
The man is under observation at the hospital. Both incidents were alcohol-related. In yet another case a man was found dead after a drinking party at Sinusevou settlement on Kadavu.
Authorities could only caution the public to be mindful of their alcohol intake when celebrating the festive season.
It isn’t against the law to partake in alcohol but it will involve the law when it cost your life.
“I know we all want to enjoy ourselves but please be responsible. The police will keep a close watch on all major centres around the country and also on our roads, “ACP Qiolevu said.
As we saw of the year 2018, we remind Fijians of the dangers of binge drinking and more importantly on alcohol poisoning which has been the cause of some deaths in the country.
Alcohol poisoning is a serious — and sometimes deadly — consequence of drinking large amounts of alcohol in a short period of time.
According to medical experts, drinking too much too quickly can affect your breathing, heart rate, body temperature and gag reflex and potentially lead to a coma and death.
Some of the symptoms of alcohol poisoning include:
- Confusion
- Vomiting
- Seizures
- Slow breathing (less than eight breaths a minute)
- Irregular breathing (a gap of more than 10 seconds between breaths)
- Low body temperature (hypothermia)
- Passing out (unconsciousness) and can’t be awakened.
According to Mayoclinic.com, a person with alcohol poisoning who is unconscious or can’t be awakened is at risk of dying. If you suspect that someone has alcohol poisoning from the above symptoms— seek immediate medical help.
Binge drinking
Another major cause of alcohol poisoning is binge drinking.
This involves heavy drinking when a male rapidly consumes five or more alcoholic drinks within two hours, or a female rapidly consumes at least four drinks within two hours.
In Fiji, binge drinking can involve an average two jugs within an hour, lasting up to several days and many hours.
Such fatal dose makes you pass out.
According to mayoclinic.org even when you’re unconscious or you’ve stopped drinking, alcohol continues to be released from your stomach and intestines into your bloodstream, and the level of alcohol in your body continues to rise.
One of the advice given by medical experts is to drink alcohol in moderation, if at all.
When you do drink, enjoy your drink slowly.
Don’t drink on an empty stomach.
Having some food in your stomach may slow alcohol absorption somewhat, although it won’t prevent alcohol poisoning if you’re binge drinking.
So enjoy the merry season everyone and take precautions.
May you all have a great 2019!
