Regional Emergency Medical Advisory Committee of New York City Certified First Responder Support Protocols Copyright January 1996 (8/96)

314 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 #315.)

For Special Considerations, see below.

Provide a sample of the substance or the container(s) to the transporting ambulance unit.

Transport in accordance with first response agency policy.

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

Remove the patient from the contaminated environment.

Administer oxygen, especially if carbon monoxide poisoning is suspected.

Go to the top of the page

Go to the Index