Describe/Locate
Name the four types of routes for poisoning?
Inhalation – breathed in
Ingestion – swallowed
Absorption – absorbed through the skin or mucous membranes
Injection – enters through a needle, bite, or sting
What does Carbon Monoxide do?
Carbon monoxide binds to hemoglobin and prevents the blood from carrying oxygen effectively.
This can cause hypoxia, meaning the body’s tissues and organs do not get enough oxygen.
Definition of poison.
Any substance that can cause harm, illness, injury, or death when it enters the body, even in small quantities.
Name the characteristics of a patient that has inhaled poison?
Coughing and hoarseness
Difficulty breathing
Headache or dizziness
Patient has difficulty breathing, a rash, and weak pulse. What is your next step after treating the anaphylaxis?
Rapidly transport patient to hospital.
What are typical treatments for shock?
Ensure airway, breathing, and circulation (ABCs)
Give oxygen if needed. Monitor vital signs.
Control any bleeding (if present) Apply direct pressure or a tourniquet for severe bleeding.
Keep the patient warm.
Use blankets to prevent heat loss.
What type of drug overdose can Narcan help reverse?
Heroin
Fentanyl
Oxycodone
Hydrocodone
Definition of inhaled poison.
A harmful substance that enters the body through the lungs when it is inhaled.
Characteristics of Anaphylaxis.
Trouble breathing
Swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
Hives or itching
Flushed or pale skin
Rapid weak pulse
You have a patient in respiratory distress. You suspect it is an opioid overdose. How do you administer a dose with a MAD device.
Administer half a dose in each nostril while pressing closed the opposite nostril.
Shock: early indicators and what system collapses.
Shock is a life-threatening condition in which the circulatory system fails to deliver enough oxygen and nutrients to the body’s tissues and organs, causing system collapse.
The circulatory (cardiovascular) system is the main system that fails in shock.
Early indicators: Restlessness, anxiety, or agitation (caused by the brain not getting enough oxygen). Pale, cool, or clammy skin. Rapid pulse or breathing.
What is the best tool to assess/care for a patient in a behavioural emergency?
Use effective communication and observation.
Scene safety first — always ensure you and the team are safe.
Verbal de-escalation — calm, non-threatening, clear communication.
Observation — note body language, mood, speech, and level of agitation.
Definition of absorption.
The process by which a substance enters the body through the skin or mucous membranes.
What position do we normally put a patient in when in shock.
Usually in the supine position.
You get to the scene and you are confronted with a patient that is anxious, angry and armed with a weapon. What do you do.
Ummm....let's see...get out of there?!?!
Ensure your safety first.
Do not approach
Observe exits and cover.
Call for help. Contact law enforcement immediately. Alert dispatch of the armed patient.
Do not attempt patient care until the scene is safe.
What pulse do you check for:
Unconsciousness
Locate pulse area to read blood pressure
Take a pulse reading
Unconsciousness: Check the carotid pulse (neck) It’s easy to find and strong, even if circulation is weak.
Locate pulse area to read blood pressure: Check the brachial pulse (inside of the elbow, upper arm) This is the standard site for blood pressure measurement with a cuff.
Take a pulse reading (general): Radial pulse (wrist, thumb side) is most common for conscious patients
Alternative sites: carotid if pulse is hard to feel, femoral in emergencies.
What happens to a patient's breathing when they go into shock?
Breathing becomes faster (tachypnea) to try to bring in more oxygen.
Breathing may become shallow as the body prioritizes blood flow to vital organs.
In severe cases, breathing can become irregular or labored.
Definition of behavioral emergency.
Behavioral emergency: Abnormal behaviour that is unacceptable to family, friends, or the community.
What is Septic Shock?
Septic shock: Condition that happens when a serious infection overwhelms the body, causing low blood pressure and organ problems. Blood vessels often dilate and become leaky.
You have a patient who is anxious with difficulty breathing. What is your next step?
Ask the patient their medical history including allergies, medications and current treatment.