| Regional Emergency Medical Advisory Committee of New York City
Prehospital Basic Life Support Protocols
Copyright January 1996 (8/96)
|
414 POISONING OR DRUG OVERDOSE
Monitor the airway.
Administer oxygen.
Request Advanced Life Support assistance for patients with respiratory distress/failure or altered mental status, or if so directed by Medical Control or Poison Control.
Assess for shock and treat, if appropriate. (See Protocol #415.)
For Special Considerations, see below.
Bring a sample of the substance or the container(s) to the hospital.
Transport.
SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS
INGESTED SUBSTANCES
Do NOT induce vomiting.
Do NOT attempt to neutralize the substance.
If transport is delayed over 20 minutes, contact Medical Control or Poison Control (see Appendix A) with the following information:
- Name of substance (if prescribed medication, note usual dosage);
- Amount taken;
- Time it was taken;
- Age and weight of patient;
- Whether the patient has vomited;
- Whether any antidote has been given.
Follow the directions provided by Medical Control or Poison Control.
If directed by Medical Control or Poison Control, but ONLY if the patient is conscious, has a gag reflex, and is able to drink without assistance, dilute the substance with water or milk.
If directed by Medical Control or Poison Control, but ONLY if the patient is conscious, has a gag reflex, and is able to drink without assistance, induce vomiting with the administration of Syrup of Ipecac, if available, as follows:
- 6 months to 1 year old - 10 ml (2/3 tablespoon);
- 1 year or older - 15 ml (1 tablespoon);
- 10 years or older - 30 ml (2 tablespoons).
INHALED SUBSTANCES
| NOTE: | ENSURE THAT THE SCENE IS SAFE TO ENTER.
|
Remove the patient from the contaminated environment.
Administer oxygen, especially if carbon monoxide poisoning is suspected.
ENVENOMATIONS
Insect stings:
- Remove stinger by scraping.
- Cover with a sterile dressing.
- Apply cold compresses to the site.
Marine:
- Remove stinging bristles by patting the area with adhesive tape, then wipe with alcohol.
- Cover with a sterile dressing.
- Remove stinging spine and soak area in hot water for 30 minutes.
| NOTE: | TRANSPORT SHOULD NOT BE DELAYED FOR THIS TREATMENT.
|
Snakebite:
- Keep injection site lower than the level of the heart.
- Cover with a sterile dressing.
- Immobilize the area and restrict patient activity.
- Transport to Venomous Bite Center. (See Appendix H.)
ABSORPTIONS
| NOTE: | TAKE PRECAUTIONS TO AVOID CONTAMINATION OF YOURSELF AND OTHERS.
|
Remove all contaminated clothing.
Brush away any dry agents or blot away any excess liquids from the skin.
Flush the area with sterile saline, sterile water, or plain water for at least 10 minutes.
Bandage any contact burns with a saline-moistened, sterile dressing.
