EMT-Basic/Medical/Poison

Lesson 4.6: Poisoning/Overdose

Objectives

By the end of this lesson, the EMT-Basic should be able to:

1. List the various ways that poisons enter the body.
2. List signs/symptoms associated with poisoning.
3. Discuss the emergency medical care for the patient with possible overdose.
4. Describe the steps in the emergency medical care for the patient with suspected poisoning.
5. Establish the relationship between the patient suffering from poisoning or overdose and airway management.
6. State the generic and trade names, indications, contraindications, medication form, dose, administration, actions, side effects, and re-assessment strategies for activated charcoal.
7. Recognize the need for medical direction in caring for the patient with poisoning or overdose.
8. Explain the rationale for administering activated charcoal.
9. Explain the rationale for contacting medical direction early in the prehospital management of the poisoning or overdose patient.
10. Demonstrate the steps in the emergency medical care for the patient with possible overdose.
11. Demonstrate the steps in the emergency medical care for the patient with suspected poisoning.
12. Perform the necessary steps required to provide a patient with activated charcoal.
13. Demonstrate the assessment and documentation of patient response.
14. Demonstrate proper disposal of the equipment for the administration of activated charcoal.
15. Demonstrate completing a prehospital care report for patients with a poisoning/overdose emergency.