What would you & handle this situation ?

[Ridryder 911]

With all the recent posts, regarding alcohol & substance abuse. I thought it would be an interesting debate to see what you would do.

You are at shift change, your relief comes in somber looking & you inquire "Whats wrong ?" He informs you that "he partied all shift off.. & did not get into bed until about 5 hrs prior to shift change."

You do not smell obvious alcohol on his breath, and notice no unstable gait or loss of hand eye co-ordination skills with his movements.. you do smell of hint of alcohol with his perspiration.

NOT WHAT YOU SHOULD DO ,.....

BUT WHAT WOULD YOU DO ?

Be honest... I am sure many of you have been in this dilemma before.

Let the debate begin....

Ridryder 911

[THE_DITCH_DOCTOR]

What if you ARE the supervisor?

If it was me, I'd be calling the local sheriff's department for a breathalyzer test. Settle it once and for all.

[3Canz]

It is a fact that impairment can linger for over 3 hours after blood alcohol content has returned to 0 (not to mention the effects of lack of sleep)...Therefore, someone who is extremely hungover should be treated as though they showed up to work still intoxicated...Report him either to a supervisor or the police...

[Reaver]

What if you ARE the supervisor?

If it was me, I'd be calling the local sheriff's department for a breathalyzer test. Settle it once and for all.

For me it would depend on the person if its a chronic thing then i would call the sherrif if it was a one time deal and a friend i make take the first couple of hours to see really how bad it was.

But im dont really know im new to this thing called "life"

[3Canz]

For me it would depend on the person if its a chronic thing then i would call the sherrif if it was a one time deal and a friend i make take the first couple of hours to see really how bad it was.

But im dont really know im new to this thing called "life"

What does it matter if it is chronic or not? One time is enough to kill someone because of impaired judgement either while driving or working. And yes, even though this person hadn't been drinking for a whole 5 hours, the are impaired...

[Ridryder 911]

Here is my 2 cents worth.. if this not a usual habit, I tell him ....need to go home now... tell him you are helping him this time. He can deal either PDO or whatever. If he refuses, tell him you have no other choice than to contact supervisor.

Would you do the same action for someone on cold remedy medicine ?

Be safe,

Ridryder 911

[3Canz]

"Would you do the same action for someone on cold remedy medicine ?"

In theory I guess, that person would be impaired also....But the reality is I don't think anyone would think to do anything about that situation...

[THE_DITCH_DOCTOR]

If they are impaired to the same level, then I would do something- probably make them go home and sleep it off.

[Reaver]

looks like I got somthing sorta right

[kemt217]

He would still be impaired and a danger to pt's. I would tell him to go home for a while and cover the few hours of the shift, or part of it and find someone to cover the rest if need be. The boss would get a phone call.