Firefighter Emergency First Response Common Medical Emergencies

Poisoning, Overdose and Alcohol Related Emergencies

Always Consider: Is the environment safe? Assume multiple agents involved including alcohol. Patients under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol can be violent. Always use disposable gloves and follow all infectious disease exposure control procedures.

Poisoning A poison is any chemical that can cause harm to the body. There are 4 ways that a poison can enter the body.

Routes of Entry Inhalation Absorption Ingestion Injected

Inhalation Warning!! If you suspect a patient has inhaled poison, approach the scene with care. Consider possible sources

Sources Automobile exhaust Heaters Stoves Grills Fire Industrial solvents Paints

Sources Pool chemicals Household chemicals Agricultural chemicals Furnaces Consider all unusual odors as a source

Common Signs & Symptoms Decreased Level of Consciousness Altered behavior Euphoria Shortness of Breath Coughing Tachycardia / Bradycardia

Signs & Symptoms Irritated or burning eyes Burning sensation mouth, nose throat Burning or itching of skin Severe headache Nausea and/or Vomiting Skin Colour

Management Remove patient from source Maintain Airway Administer high concentration oxygen via appropriate device Remove contaminated clothing Attempt to identify the source

Absorption Usually irritate or damage skin Do Not expose yourself to the poison

Signs and Symptoms Skin reactions Itching Irritation of eyes Headache Increased relative skin temperature Abnormal pulse and respiration's Shock

Management Remove patient from source Flood all areas of the body with water Remove all contaminated clothes and jewelry Support A B C’s High concentration oxygen

Ingestion Warning!! Mouth to Mouth may be hazardous to rescuer May be accidental or on purpose

Common Signs & Symptoms Burns or stains around the mouth Unusual breath odors Abnormal pulse & respiration's Sweating Dilated or constricted pupils Abdominal pain Nausea / Vomiting

Signs & Symptoms Diarrhea Seizures Decreased Level of Consciousness Shock

Management Support A B C’s High concentration oxygen Identify and gather poison Preserve vomitus for transport with patient Do Not induce vomiting

Injected Insect stings Spider Drugs

Signs & Symptoms Decreased Level of Consciousness Noticeable sting or bite marks Needle “Tracks” Changes in pulse/respiration's Nausea / vomiting Shock

Management Support A B C’s High concentration oxygen Identify source Remove stingers / needles Constrictive band B/P Cuff Ice Immobilize limb

The Violent Patient If violent behavior is obvious or impending, ensure police assistance Test the distance of social acceptability slowly Note egress routes Never attempt to restrain patient Be calm & reassuring