SMARTSERVE Safe Transportation and After-Service Care 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What signs should prompt a server to call emergency services for an intoxicated patron?
- The patron asks for a glass of water
- The patron is unconscious, has difficulty breathing, is having a seizure, or cannot be roused (Correct answer)
- The patron is very emotional
- The patron is speaking very slowly
Correct answer: The patron is unconscious, has difficulty breathing, is having a seizure, or cannot be roused
Unconsciousness, breathing difficulty, seizures, or unresponsiveness are medical emergencies requiring immediate 911 contact.
Question 2: While waiting for emergency services to arrive for an unconscious intoxicated patron, what should staff do?
- Give the patron water to drink
- Place the patron in the recovery position, monitor breathing, stay with them, and keep them warm (Correct answer)
- Attempt to wake the patron by shaking them vigorously
- Ask other patrons to leave the area and lock the doors
Correct answer: Place the patron in the recovery position, monitor breathing, stay with them, and keep them warm
The recovery position prevents aspiration if the person vomits, while monitoring breathing and staying present ensures immediate response to any deterioration.
Question 3: What is the 'walk of shame' myth and why is it dangerous?
- The belief that embarrassing a patron will stop them from drinking
- The false belief that walking around in cold air will sober someone up quickly (Correct answer)
- The idea that patrons who leave on foot are automatically safe
- The misconception that intoxicated patrons always ask for help
Correct answer: The false belief that walking around in cold air will sober someone up quickly
Walking in cold air does not reduce BAC; it may temporarily increase alertness but the person remains legally and physically impaired, and cold increases the risk of hypothermia for heavily intoxicated individuals.
Question 4: If an intoxicated patron leaves the establishment on foot during cold weather, what should the server consider?
- Nothing — once they leave the premises, there is no further responsibility
- Alerting management so a welfare check or transportation offer can be made before the patron is out of reach (Correct answer)
- Calling police immediately since walking is also a form of impaired travel
- Offering to store their jacket until they return
Correct answer: Alerting management so a welfare check or transportation offer can be made before the patron is out of reach
Alerting management promptly when an intoxicated patron leaves on foot in cold weather allows the establishment to take reasonable steps to check on their welfare.
Question 5: Which of the following best supports a patron's safe departure from a licensed establishment?
- Providing them with a final drink for the road
- Ensuring they have a confirmed safe ride and are in a capable state to reach it before they leave (Correct answer)
- Walking them to their car and ensuring they buckle their seatbelt
- Giving them a bottle of water and wishing them a good night
Correct answer: Ensuring they have a confirmed safe ride and are in a capable state to reach it before they leave
Confirming a safe ride is arranged and the patron is capable of reaching it before departure represents the most complete fulfillment of the server's after-service duty of care.
Question 6: How should an incident involving an intoxicated patron who required intervention be recorded?
- Verbally reported to the next shift manager only
- In a written incident log with date, time, observations, actions taken, and outcome (Correct answer)
- Only if the patron made a formal complaint
- In a private note kept by the server for personal reference
Correct answer: In a written incident log with date, time, observations, actions taken, and outcome
A formal written incident log creates a legal record that protects the establishment and staff by documenting the signs observed and the responsible steps taken.
SMARTSERVE Safe Transportation and After-Service Care 2
What signs should prompt a server to call emergency services for an intoxicated patron?