Margaret West began her presentation Wednesday night by quoting words of wisdom from Homer Simpson: “Here’s to alcohol: the cause of … and solution to all of life’s problems.”

West, a registered nurse and emergency medical services educator at Kishwaukee College, spoke at the Holmes Student Center to NIU students and members of the Greek community about the hazardous consequences of binge drinking and alcohol poisoning.

West began the evening with a slide show featuring photographs of young males who died from alcohol poisoning. She also had the audience participate in a quiz to test their alcohol knowledge. West warned students that the effects of alcohol can be extremely harmful and even fatal, especially if the drinker also consumes drugs.

“If you’re going to take GHB or ecstasy, that’s fine. Just don’t mix alcohol with it,” West said.

University Police officers were on hand to aid West in a demonstration of what happens to individuals who are admitted to the hospital for being overly intoxicated. A volunteer from the audience played the role of the “drunk” and was loaded onto a stretcher, while West mocked hooking him up to a tube to pump his stomach, an IV and a catheter.

West said when someone is suffering from symptoms of alcohol poisoning, medical attention should be sought immediately, even if those involved are hesitant to call for help because of fear of getting caught. She explained that privacy laws prohibit hospitals from informing the parents of students who are over 18 about any medical issues, even those that are alcohol related.

The presentation was one of several that are given by different speakers throughout the semester to the Greek community, with the purpose of providing them with information on issues that directly affect college students.