Overdose
What types of drugs induce sleep or stupor?
opiods, downers (like depressents)
How does carbon monoxide cause toxic effects?
Interfering with the body's ability to transport oxygen
Review ways we can restrain patients when needed.
Know which are unacceptable.
Use humane restraints like leather cuffs and belts if authorized (soft restraints). Continuously monitor patient condition
Unacceptable restrains include handcuffs and Plastic Restraints
What is the opioid triad?
Coma, pinpoint pupils, Respiratory depression.
Where is epinephrine administered and how?
Injected into the thigh.
Marijuana overdose signs and symptoms
change in pulse rate, breathing difficulties, altered mental status
How do you assess a patient who you suspect is experiencing anaphylaxis?
Primary Assessment: Airway, Breathing, Circulation (ABCs): Immediately address any life-threatening issues with the patient's airway, breathing, or circulation.
Secondary Assessment: History of Allergies: Ask if the patient has any known allergies.
Exposure Details: Determine what triggered the reaction and how the patient was exposed (e.g., ingestion, contact).
Signs and Symptoms: Identify symptoms such as itching, hives, difficulty breathing, or swelling.
Progression: Understand the sequence and speed of symptom development.
Interventions: Check if any treatment has been administered, such as epinephrine.
Vital Signs: Assess for signs of shock, such as tachycardia, hypotension, and decreased oxygen saturation.
Mental Status: Check for altered mental status or feelings of impending doom.
Which conditions mimic alcohol intoxication?
Diabetes, Epilepsy, Head Injuries, High Fevers & Hypoxia
How do we assess an emotionally disturbed patient?
Communication, Non judgmental approach, Maintain distance, Monitor emotional status, Vital signs and pulse
What do we need to do before administering epinephrine?
Ensure the epinephrine auto-injector is not expired and the liquid is clear.
GHB overdose signs and symptoms
Initial symptoms: drowsiness, dizziness
Severe symptoms: LOC, respiratory depression, serizures, nausea and vomiting
Critical signs: Bradycardia, Hypothermia
How do we treat patients who inhale poison?
Remove the Patient from the Unsafe Environment, Primary Assessment, Administer High-Concentration Oxygen, Secondary Assessment, Transport and Reassessment, Safety Precautions.
Signs and symptoms of alcohol withdrawal?
Confusion and Restlessness, Unusual Behavior, Hallucinations, Gross Tremor, Profuse Sweating, Seizures/, Hypertension and Tachycardia.
How do we handle suicide attempts? What if we think they are faking?
Take all suicide threats seriously, establish personal interaction, scene safety, emergency care, transport
What does anaphylaxis look/sound like?
Sound, wheezing, stridor, Muffled voice or hoarseness. Look, widespread hives, pallor (pale skin) diffuses redness, swelling.
Alcohol overdose signs and symptoms
Odor of alcohol, Swaying and unsteadiness, Flushed appearance, Nausea or vomiting, Poor condition, Slowed reaction time, Blurred vision, Confusion, Hallucination, Lack of memory, Altered mental status
Why should an EMT utilize a local poison control center in managing a poisoning patient?
It provides safer, faster, and more accurate care for poisoned patients, improving outcomes and reducing complications
What body system does alcohol affect immediately?
Central Nervous System (CNS).
When can we transport a patient against their wishes?
When they are a threat to themselves or others or if there’s a court order.
How do we treat a patient experiencing anaphylaxis?
Manage airway and breathing, administer epinephrine, record and reassess.
Cocaine overdose signs and symptoms
Excitement and hyperactivity, Increased Pulse and Breathing Rates, Rapid Speech, Dry mouth and Sweating, Dilated Pupils, Restlessness, Lack of sleep
What questions do you ask someone who ingested something poisonous?
What substances were involved?
When did the exposure occur?
How much was ingested?
Over how long a period did the ingestion occur?
Who's recommendations do we follow during a public crisis related to a newly recognized infectious disease?
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Local Health Departments,World Health Organization (WHO).
What organs and/or structures are located in the abdominal cavity?
Stomach, liver, spleen, gallbladder, small intestine, large intestine (colon), appendix, female reproductive organs, bladder, esophagus, kidneys, pancreas, aorta and inferoir vena cava.
What are the expected signs and symptoms of anaphylaxis?
Symptomps, Dyspnea (difficulty breathing), Tightness in the chest, Wheezing (a high-pitched whistling sound) ,Muffled voice or hoarseness, Stridor (a harsh, high-pitched sound during inspiration), Tachycardia (rapid pulse, Hypotension (low blood pressure), Tachypnea (rapid breathing), Decreased oxygen saturation. . Signs, Widespread hives (raised, itchy red blotches), Pallor (pale skin), Diffuse redness, Swelling of the face, lips, eyes, tongue, and mouth.