It's the morning after a party. Maybe you've got a hangover, but no biggie — you're a trooper and you've got Tylenol. But a $1,500 medical bill and the realization that you've spent the night in the emergency room getting your stomach pumped? Uh oh.

These consequences only begin the long list of negative outcomes resulting from alcohol poisoning, a condition that has struck at the UW some 25 times since January 2006, according to the UW Police Department.

Potentially fatal effects of alcohol poisoning include vomiting, seizure, less than eight breaths per minute, the chance of entering into a coma, hypothermia and irreversible brain damage, according to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcohol.

"Going out and deciding to overconsume can be incredibly costly," said UW Assistant Police Chief Ray Wittmier, a 27-year veteran of the force.

When the police show up on the scene of an alcohol poisoning, the first thing they do after warning signs are identified is call an ambulance to take the victim to the ER.

The minimal cost for an excursion of this sort runs at about $1,500, Wittmier said.

Despite this potentially bank account-breaking bill, the UWPD's first concern is safety, he said.

Wittmier said he encourages calling the police if you have any suspicion that someone is suffering from alcohol poisoning.

"For an individual who is not a professional to try and determine whether someone has alcohol poisoning or not is a risky decision," Wittmier said. "Warning signs may be as subtle as passing out and being unable to wake up."

Even if a patient is underage, Wittmier stressed seeking help from police despite what consequences might be in store.

"People should not be worried about calling the police," he said. "In all of the 25 cases since January no additional charges were handed out. When we respond, we view it as a first aid issue, not as a criminal offense."

However, just because police do not deliver punishment to the poisoned does not mean the UW does not.

The Standards of Conduct section of the University of Washington Student Conduct Code strictly forbids the "unlawful possession, use, distribution or manufacture of alcohol or controlled substances...on the university campus or during university-sponsored activities."

Punishment for violating this code of conduct is severe. The UW's Alcohol and Drug Abuse Policy notes that being found guilty of violating the Student Conduct Code can result in "disciplinary probation, suspension or dismissal from the University."

Despite this potentially harsh chastisement, Debra Nelson, assistant to the vice provost for student life, wants students to realize what is most important when deciding whether or not to make the call.

"We hope that people operate on the basis of caring for their friends, not fear of offending them," she said.

Preventing alcohol poisoning from ever happening is paramount for the University, Wittmier said.

"Although I realize there is plenty of drinking going on, I just hope that students understand the importance of moderation," Wittmier said.

There are many ways to minimize the likelihood of getting alcohol poisoning, even before the drinking begins.

"Stress, dehydration, taking certain types of medication, lack of sleep, not eating before drinking makes alcohol hit you harder," Wittmier said. "Students can help reduce the danger of alcohol poisoning simply by thinking ahead before drinking."

Wittmier stressed that the bottom line is to call the police with any suspicion at all that someone has alcohol poisoning — it could save a life. There are many cases where a death occurs because the call was not made for fear of a citation or worry about the medical bills.

"You're better off calling," Wittmier said.

Contributing writer Camden Swita: development@thedaily.washington.edu