MEDICAL EMERGENCIES

ENTRY

• Ingestion
• Inhalation
• Injection
• Absorption

TREATMENT

• Manage Airway
• Maintain Circulation
• Clean contaminated area ASAP (Absorption)
• Contact Poison Control
• Contact Med. Control or follow protocol (ipecac,charcoal,narcan)

Protocol Algorithm

• External or Inhaled Poisons(carbon monoxide,carbon dioxide,chlorine gas,cocaine,meth)
• Ingested Poisons and Overdose(chemical,drugs,plants,fungi,berries)

SIGNS AND SYMPTOms

• External or Inhaled
• Tachycardia
• Blurred vision
• Excessive tearing
• Behavior changes
• Drowsiness,Drooling
• Sweating,Volmiting

SIGNS AND SIMPTOMS

• Ingested Poisons and Overdose
• Nausea,Vomiting(bloody)
• Cramping stomach pain
• Burning sensation
• Partial loss of consciousness
• Seizures

TREATMENT

• External or Inhaled
• 1(800)222-1222
• Follow directions given
• O2 15Lpm/NRB
• Decontamination

treatment

• Ingested Poisons and Overdose
• 1(800)222-1222
• Follow Directions
• O2 15Lpm/NRB

ABUSE TYPES

• Psychiatric dependent patient
• Recreational user
• People who develop dependence to medications they were perscribed
• Physically addicted drug user

Drug Classifications

• Depressants(barbiturates,benzodiazapines,hypnotics)
• Stimulates(cocaine,amphetamines,acstasy)
• Narcotics/Opiates(hydrocodone,oxycodone,morphine)
• Hallucinogenics(LSD,mescaline,psilocybin,PCP)

drug abuse treatment

• Chief complaint vs. Complication
• A,B,Cs
• IVF, Narcan,D50W
• Safety precautions

ALCOHOLISM

• Third major health hazard in the US
• May be daily of binge drinkers
• Withdrawal
• Confusion,tremors,insomnia,hallucinations DT's

alcoholism hazards

• Cirrhosis of the liver
• Pancreatitis
• Upper GI bleeding
• Esophageal varices
• CNS disorders
• Subdural hematoma(falls)
• Hypothermia

alcoholism;effect of other illnesses

• Masking pain or injury
• Denial of injury due to impaired judgment
• Impaired communication: Slurred speech, violence, apathy, withdrawals, diminished cognitive abilities

MANAGEMENT

• ABC's
• IVF-often dehydrated
• Continuous monitoring
• Temperature maintenance

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

• Toxicologic emergencies can be serious for the patient and difficult for the EMS personel
• You must know the substances involved and their actions
• Poisons and med control are both good resources
• Patients are often resistant to care