Alcohol Withdrawal Syndrome

Alcohol Withdrawal Syndrome

From General BroadCAST by General BroadCAST

February 22, 2026 · 1h 18m

About this episode

This episode discusses Alcohol Withdrawal Syndrome, its management, and the CIWA-Ar score for assessment.

Alcohol Withdrawal Syndrome (AWS) remains one of the most frequently encountered yet potentially life-threatening presentations in acute and pre-hospital medicine. While it may initially present with tremor or anxiety, it exists on a spectrum that includes seizures and delirium tremens (DTs), both associated with significant morbidity and mortality and something paramedics and EMS staff need to be comfortable managing. This month we take a look at why alcohol withdrawal occurs, how we can use the CIWA-Ar score to aid assessment and what care we can offer to these patients. Check out our other episodes and the supporting article for this podcast at www.generalbroadcast.org.uk This Podcast is supported by GEEKY MEDICS. Check out the fantastic range of study and learning aids available at https://geekymedics.com. For a limited time, save 15% on the ⁠⁠⁠Everything Bundle⁠⁠⁠ with the discount code EVERY15 . Be in for a chance to win one of their books completely free! Check out our socials posts here: Like the podcast? help keep it free and open access, support us by donating at www.ko-fi.com/generalbroadcast

Topics covered

  • Alcohol Withdrawal Syndrome
  • Acute Medicine
  • Pre-hospital Medicine
  • Patient Care
  • Assessment Tools

Keywords

  • tremor
  • anxiety
  • seizures
  • delirium tremens
  • CIWA-Ar score
  • morbidity
  • mortality
  • paramedics
  • EMS staff

Sponsors

GEEKY MEDICS

Mentioned in this episode

Products: GEEKY MEDICS

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