Taking a serious look at alcohol poisoning on campus

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- Alcohol poisoning is a serious issue at college campuses around the country.

With the football season here -- Fresno State has launched a program to make students aware of the dangers of drinking too much.

These Fresno State students know drinking often comes with the campus culture. However, they're taking a stance against alcohol poisoning by getting educated through the watchdog training program called "Watch Your Dog."

Health Educator Georgianna Negron-Long said, "So that we can give students the tips and the tools that they need so when they're at those social gatherings or parties they can be of assistance to their friends and their fellow classmates to prevent any kind of tragedy from happening."

Just two years ago, the campus was shaken by the death of 18-year-old Philip Dhanens. The former fraternity pledge had a .4 blood alcohol level when he died at an off campus party. At the training, health educators spoke about Dhanen's tragic death. They also taught students methods to help people who are intoxicated.

Georgianna added, "The process of rolling a person over on their sides and getting them propped up, so they don't asphyxiate if they're going to continue to throw up that way to keep them safe in the meantime, until the ambulance arrives."

Student Abigail Galindo is a volunteer with the program and has gone through the "Protect Your Dog" training.

"To recognize the signs and how to help," said Galindo. "The most important is how to help somebody who you might think drank a little too much."

And with the football season upon us, students hope others will keep an eye out for their peers.

This is the second year the training has taken place at Fresno State. Organizers say they hope this knowledge will help students during a critical time.