TEAM Model

Signs of Impairment

  • Definition of Impairment:

    • Impairment refers to a decrease in judgment, inhibitions, reactions, and coordination.

  • Importance of Acknowledging Impairment:

    • The term "impairment" is used to ensure respectful treatment of all guests.

    • Making assumptions about a guest's condition (like assuming they are drunk) leads to neglecting their needs.

  • Causes of Impairment:

    • Can result from:

    • Alcohol

    • Medication

    • Illness

    • Heat exhaustion

    • A combination of factors

Signs of Impairment to Look For

  • Impaired Judgment:

    • Increased likelihood of making bad decisions.

    • Behaviors indicating impaired judgment:

    • Foul language

    • Engaging in drinking games

    • Driving while impaired

  • Lowered Inhibitions:

    • Characteristics include:

    • Being overly friendly

    • Mood swings

    • Engaging in behavior not typically exhibited (e.g., removing clothing)

  • Slowed Reactions:

    • Symptoms include:

    • Glassy eyes

    • Slurred speech

    • Forgetfulness

    • Guests may seem to move, speak, or think in slow motion.

  • Poor Coordination:

    • Observable symptoms:

    • Falling

    • Dropping objects

    • Stumbling

    • Sleeping

    • Indicates physical impairment, which can pose risks, especially in sports facilities.

High Tolerance Drinkers

  • Definition:

    • High tolerance drinkers are adept at masking typical signs of impairment.

    • They can consume alcohol but do not show usual physical symptoms.

  • Characteristics of High Tolerance Drinkers:

    • May stockpile drinks (purchase multiple drinks at once).

    • Often stack empty cups of previous drinks to hide consumption.

    • Might wear sunglasses indoors to conceal signs of impairment.

    • Potentially use strong scents to mask alcohol smell.

    • Make frequent restroom trips.

  • Concerns for Staff:

    • High tolerance drinkers are harder to identify; hence they pose a risk to others due to their hidden impairment.

Identifying Impairment Signs

  • Key Signs to Monitor:

    • Recognition of all four signs:

    • Judgment

    • Inhibition

    • Reaction

    • Coordination

    • More signs correlate with a higher likelihood of alcohol impairment and potential danger.

  • Protocol for Assistance:

    • Approach impaired guests to assist rather than ignore them.

    • Ensure safety for potentially impaired individuals and those around them.

Absorption Rate Factors

  • Mnemonic Device:

    • Six factors influencing alcohol absorption can be remembered with GRASSF:

    • Gender

    • Rate of consumption

    • Age

    • Size

    • Strength of drink

    • Food

  • Detailed Examination of Factors:

    • Gender:

    • Males generally have more blood volume leading to less effect per drink than females.

    • Rate of Consumption:

    • Rapid drinking increases BAC and the risk of impairment.

    • Age:

    • Older individuals may have less-efficient livers, impacting alcohol processing time.

    • Size:

    • Larger individuals have more blood, requiring more alcohol for similar effects, but body fat also influences BAC.

    • Strength of Drink:

    • Higher alcohol by volume (ABV) leads to quicker absorption; examples of ABV percentages:

      • Most beers (4% - 6% ABV)

      • Craft beers (6% - 10% ABV)

      • Wines (11% - 14% ABV)

      • Spirits (30% - 60% ABV)

    • Food:

    • Consuming food while drinking slows alcohol entry into the bloodstream, reducing intoxication effects.

Misconceptions About Alcohol Absorption

  • Common Misunderstandings:

    • Temperature, altitude, and nationality do not impact the rate at which alcohol is absorbed into the bloodstream.

    • Key Point: Only time effectively reduces blood alcohol content; no quick fixes.

Legal Responsibilities

  • Definitions of Liability:

    • Common Negligence:

    • Obligation of employees to prevent dangerous behaviors.

    • Dram Shop Liability:

    • Specific to those serving alcohol; if they serve an impaired guest leading to harm, they can be held responsible.

  • Consequences of Negligence:

    • If an impaired guest injures another, the server can be sued under dram shop laws, which exist in most states.

  • Employee Responsibilities:

    • Document all incidents related to alcohol consumption, including:

    • Impairment signs

    • Observations regarding behavior

    • Any injuries incurred within the venue due to alcohol-related negligence.

Alcohol Service Policies

  • Operational Guidelines:

    • Valid IDs required for individuals appearing under 40 years old.

    • Limit of two drinks per valid ID.

    • Alcohol cut-off thirty minutes before events' end.

    • No outside alcohol permitted.

  • ID Verification:

    • Ensure all IDs checked have not expired and provide proof of legal drinking age.

    • Procedures for handling potential fake IDs; do not confiscate IDs unless confirmed by a superior or law enforcement.

Intervention Guidelines

  • Core Principles of Intervention:

    • Respectful treatment of all guests.

    • Assess circumstances and determine appropriate responses to behaviors that deviate from facility policies.

    • Each situation varies; careful evaluation is essential for a safe environment.

  • Documentation of Incidents:

    • Reports should be factual, avoiding opinions or admissions of fault.

    • Include specifics of incidents involving alcohol, property damage, and underage attempts to purchase.