Chapter 22: Toxicology Flashcards
What is an EMT’s main job in a toxicology call?
Recognize poisoning has occurred and what, when, how much, and pt’s weight, call poison control, examine vomit and take pictures
What is EMT treatment for inhaled poison?
Get the pt to fresh air, rapid transport, consider need of Hazmat
What is treatment for absorbed poison?
Protect self, remove substance and contaminated clothing, wash area (for eyes ensure water goes from the inside to the outside of the eye), collect SDS or have them sent to the hospital
What is treatment for ingested poison?
Possibly activated charcoal, monitor ABC, ventilations, suction
What is treatment for injected poisons?
Airway, O2, suction, remove jewelry
What is special about a toxicology patient assessment?
Look for clues: odor, med bottles, alcoholic beverages, drug paraphernalia
What substance, when ingested/exposed, how much, any intervention, pt weight
What are the special considerations that follow alcohol?
Respiratory needs,
Withdrawal: agitation, restlessness, fever, sweating, confusion, seizures, hallucinations, DTs delirium tremors
Look for head trauma, mental illness, toxic reactions, uncontrolled diabetes
What must be done for those exposed to hydrogen sulfide?
Decontamination by hazmat
What are the signs of an aspirin overdose?
Nausea, vomiting, hyperventilation, ringing in the ears
What are the signs and symptoms of an opioid overdose?
Hypoventilation/respiratory arrest, pinpoint pupils, sedation/coma, hypotension
i.e.: heroin, oxycodone
What are the signs and symptoms of a sympathomimetics overdose?
Hypertension, tachycardia, dilated pupils, agitation/seizures, hyperthermia
i.e. epinephrine, albuterol, cocaine, methamphetamine
What are the signs and symptoms of a Sedative-hypnotics overdose?
Slurred speech, sedation/coma, hypoventilation, hypotension
i.e. diazepam, secobarbital, flunitrazepam
What are the signs and symptoms of an anticholinergics overdose?
Tachycardia, hyperthermia, dilated pupils, dry skin and mucus membranes, sedation, agitation, seizures, coma, delirium, decreased bowel sounds
i.e. atropine, jimson weed, diphenhydramine
What are the signs and symptoms of a Cholinergic overdose?
Airway compromise:
SLUDGEM “everything is leaking”
Salvation, sweating
Lacrimation (tearing)
Urination
Defecation, drooling, diarrhea
Gastric upset cramps
Emesis (vomiting)
Muscle twitching/ miosis (pinpoint pupils)
i.e. pilcarpine, nerve gas
What can cause burns around a child’s mouth?
Alkaline poison- child will likely cry
