Necessity of Determining Alcohol Level in Road Crash Victims

Alcohol intoxication complicates the assessment and management of patients. The effects of alcohol can mimic the symptoms of a head injury. Alcohol intoxication predisposes the patient to more severe injuries. Intoxicated patients may not report pain or tenderness. Alcohol may interact with medications, particularly those used for pain relief and sedation. Alcohol intoxication can complicate surgery and can influence the anaesthetist’s choice of anaesthetic drug.