Woman 7 times the limit
A KIRWAN woman, 28, was arrested after driving while allegedly more than seven times over the legal bloodalcohol limit yesterday morning.
The woman, 28, was arrested in Nathan St after dawn and later allegedly recorded a blood- alcohol reading of 0.354 per cent.
Police said it was extremely high reading and doctors say that level of drunkenness would be similar to being under anaesthetic.
Kirwan Police Station officer- incharge Senior Sergeant Jason Brosnan said police had received reports of a white Toyota Corolla driving erratically in Charles St, Kirwan.
Witnesses then saw the car stop on a median strip and a woman fall out.
People rushed to the woman’s aid but she allegedly became aggressive, swearing at them before getting back in the car and driving off.
“Police then conducted patrols and located the female on Nathan St near Fulham Rd,” Sen- Sgt Brosnan said.
“Police intercepted but she refused to open the doors. Officers were preparing to force their way into the vehicle when she complied and got out.”
After returning a positive roadside breath test, the woman was taken to Kirwan Police Station where she allegedly returned the extreme reading.
Sen- Sgt Brosnan said it was the highest reading he had seen in more than 20 years of policing.
“She had drunk a half a bottle of vodka that morning,” he said.
“I have heard of 0.4s but never actually seen the person. This is the highest reading I’ve seen personally.”
Paramedics were called to the station to help the woman and she was eventually handed over to family.
Royal Australian College of General Practitioners vice- chair Dr Michael Clements said the level of intoxication allegedly recorded by the driver was life- threatening.
“At those extremely toxic levels it really does slow down the brain function – you are talking about impairment of everything from vision, concentration to bad decision making and violence,” Dr Clements said.
“All the reflexes, including the gag reflex are impaired, blackouts can occur, there is increased risk of choking or serious injury from a fall.
“One of the medical terms would be stupor – which is equivalent or similar to being under an anaesthetic.”
Dr Clements suggested someone with such a level of alcohol abuse should seek professional help.
Sen- Sgt Brosnan said the woman appeared remorseful for her actions but under no circumstances should she have been behind the wheel.
“It is very fortunate that no one was seriously injured, either the driver of the vehicle or members of the public as her blood- alcohol concentration and manner of driving was extremely hazardous to other road users,” Sen- Sgt Brosnan said.
The woman faces a high- range drink- driving charge in Townsville Magistrates Court later this month.