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Scenario — Alcohol intoxication at AFL game
Patient Information
Dispatch
A 35YO male has been brought to the FAP by security after being found sitting on the concourse at Optus Stadium, unsteady on his feet and smelling strongly of alcohol. (Darren Kowalski)
Incident History
Pt was found by stadium security sitting on the ground near Gate 4 during the third quarter. Security report he was slurring his words and unable to walk without assistance. No witnessed falls or head strikes reported.
Emergency Contact
Kelly Kowalski (Wife) 0412 874 331
Initial Rapid Assessment
Response
Voice
Airway
Patent. Nil airway obstruction. Strong odour of alcohol. Nil vomitus present.
Breathing
Spontaneous. Rate slightly slow but adequate depth. Nil audible wheeze or stridor.
Circulation
Radial pulse present, regular, adequate strength. Skin warm, flushed to face. Nil active bleeding.
Disability
GCS 12 (E3V4M5). Disoriented to time and place. Slurred speech. Pupils equal and reactive to light.
Exposure
Nil visible injuries. Nil rashes. Clothing dishevelled. No medic-alert jewellery noted.
Vitals
Time SpO2 Resp Dist RR Pulse BP CRT GCS PERL Temp BGL Pain
Initial 96% (RA) Nil 14 92 118/74 <2s 12 4 4 ++ 36.9 5.4 mmol/L 0
10 mins 97% (RA) Nil 14 88 120/76 <2s 13 4 4 ++ 36.9 5.4 mmol/L 0
History Taking
Signs/Symptoms
Slurred speech, unsteady gait, confusion, flushed face.
Onset
Security estimates pt has been at the stadium since 11am (approximately 5 hours). Symptoms noticed approximately 30 minutes ago.
Pain
Nil.
Quality
Nil pain complaints.
Radiates
Nil.
Severity
Nil pain. GCS 12 on arrival.
Allergies
Nil known allergies.
Medications
Nil regular medications reported.
Pertinent History
Pt reports drinking 'quite a few beers' since arriving at the ground. No history of diabetes, epilepsy, or head injury today. No reported drug use.
Last Oral Intake
Last food approximately 10am. Alcohol consumed throughout the day.
Treatment
Nil treatment prior to EHS arrival. Security provided supervision only.
Events Leading
Pt was watching the AFL game, consuming alcohol since arrival. Found slumped on concourse by security after other patrons raised concern.
Scenario Progression and Treatment Objectives

((If BGL is not checked within the first 5 minutes, the patient becomes increasingly drowsy and GCS drops to 10 — prompt trainees that BGL must be assessed in all patients with altered conscious state.))

((If trainees do not perform a thorough head-to-toe assessment to rule out injury, inform them that security cannot confirm whether the patient fell — a secondary survey is required to exclude traumatic injury.))

((If trainees attempt to leave the patient unsupervised or suggest discharge without further assessment, the patient attempts to stand and nearly falls — reinforce that ongoing monitoring is required.))

This patient is suffering from acute alcohol intoxication without evidence of acute illness, injury, or medical emergency.

  • Ensure scene safety and don appropriate PPE including gloves.
  • Perform Primary Survey — confirm patent airway, adequate breathing, pulse present, nil catastrophic haemorrhage.
  • Obtain BGL — result 5.4 mmol/L, hypoglycaemia excluded as cause of altered conscious state.
  • Apply pulse oximetry and obtain baseline vital signs.
  • Perform Secondary Survey — head-to-toe assessment to exclude traumatic injury (fall, head strike).
  • Obtain IMISTAMBO history — confirm alcohol as primary cause, exclude poly-drug use, obtain medication and allergy history.
  • Position patient safely — seated upright in FAP with ongoing supervision. Do NOT leave patient unattended.
  • Monitor patient persistently — repeat GCS and vital signs every 10 minutes.
  • Contact EHS Event Supervisor or State Operations Centre for advice regarding patient disposition if clinically indicated.
  • Document all findings and interventions on patient care record.
  • If patient deteriorates (GCS drops, airway compromise, vomiting) — place in lateral position, manage airway, and request ambulance.
  • Scenario ends on arrival of ambulance and IMISTAMBO handover.
  • Attention to hand hygiene will be given throughout the scenario.

Clinical references: Unconsciousness · Disturbed & Abnormal Behaviour · Blood Glucose Monitor · Primary Survey · Secondary & CNS Survey