Toxicology/Routes
A common response to inhaling certain poisons like organophosphates, this symptom can leave you drenched even in a cool room.
The symptom is extreme sweating.
Describe/name the route by which a substance enters the body by swallowing.
Ingestion (Swallowing) Poison is swallowed through the mouth and enters the digestive tract.
Examples: Household cleaners, medications in overdose, poisonous plants.
Effect: The toxin is absorbed mainly in the stomach or intestines into the bloodstream.
Key Sign: Delayed onset of symptoms compared to inhalation.
What is the number for Poison Control?
Poison Control Number (U.S.):
1-800-222-1222
Never hesitate to call. Some symptoms are delayed, and the specialists can tell you exactly what to do next.
General treatments for shock. (All Types)
Lay the patient flat (supine) unless contraindicated (e.g. breathing difficulty, head injury).
Keep the Patient Warm. Shock often causes vasoconstriction and cold, clammy skin. Cover with a blanket (even if the patient says they're hot).
Monitor Vital Signs and Mental Status: Look for changes in LOC, pulse, respirations, and skin signs.
Rapid Transport: Shock is a life-threatening emergency.
How would you define the term poison in a medical or toxicological context?
A substance that can cause harm, illness, or death to a living organism when introduced into the body in relatively small amount.
Describe/name the route by which a substance enters the body by direct entry into tissue or bloodstream.
Injection: Poison is introduced under the skin or directly into a vein or muscle.
Examples: Snake or insect venom, injected drugs, syringe-related exposures.
Effect: Rapid entry into the bloodstream or tissues.
Key Sign: Immediate local pain plus potential widespread effects.
When walking upon a scene, you notice the patient is experiencing bizarre behavior. What do you do first?
Ensure you do a very thorough and extensive scene size up.
Describe septic shock.
Septic shock is a severe and potentially fatal condition that occurs when an overwhelming infection causes the body’s blood vessels to dilate and leak, leading to dangerously low blood pressure and organ failure.
Describe the symptoms of Anaphylactic shock.
Anaphylaxis often appears as hives, trouble breathing, rapid pulse, low blood pressure and swelling.
What type of poison keeps your body from getting the oxygen it needs, even though you're still breathing.
Carbon monoxide: It goes into your lungs, then into your blood. It then sticks to red blood cells (the part of your blood that normally carries oxygen).
It takes the place of oxygen, so your blood can’t carry enough oxygen to your brain, heart, and other organs.
Which pulse is preferable when assessing an unresponsive patient?
The carotid pulse is the most reliable central pulse in unresponsive patients because it is closest to the heart and less affected by peripheral circulation problems, such as shock or cold.
How would you define the term hemorrhage?
Hemorrhage is the loss of blood from the circulatory system.
Describe/name the route by which a substance enters the body through the respiratory system.
Inhalation: Poison is breathed in through the nose or mouth into the lungs.
Examples: Carbon monoxide, chlorine gas, smoke, fumes.
Effect: The lungs absorb the toxin quickly into the bloodstream because of their large surface area.
Key Sign: Rapid onset of symptoms (often within seconds to minutes).
What are the signs / symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning?
You might feel headache, dizzy, confused, tired, or sick to your stomach. You could pass out or even die if you're not treated quickly.
True or False: A patient in shock should be placed in a prone position?
That is false. The patient should be placed in the supine position to promote blood flow to vital organs.
What is the earliest commonly recognized symptom of shock?
Describe and name the route by which a substance enters the body by surface contact.
Absorption (Skin or Mucous Membranes) Poison enters the body directly through skin contact or mucous membranes (eyes, mouth, nose).
Examples: Pesticides, industrial chemicals, nerve agents.
Effect: Enters bloodstream slowly or quickly depending on the chemical and skin integrity.
Key Sign: Local irritation, burns, or systemic symptoms if absorbed.
Name signs and symptoms of ingested poisons.
Burns around the mouth, vomiting, seizures, gastrointestinal pain and cardiac issues.
In cases of severe shock, when should transport begin?
Don't stay and play, load and go. In severe shock, minimizing on-scene time is essential.
How can you tell when the body is entering decompensated shock?
This occurs when the compensatory mechanisms start to fail.
You’ll see: Falling blood pressure (late and dangerous sign) Weak or absent peripheral pulses.