1. EtOH Toxicity September 15, 2014

2. Primary Assessment Form a general impression. – Do they need C-Spine? – AVPU – A&O assessment What’s your name (from ID)? Who is the president of the United States? What state (location) are you in right now? What is the year? – Determine any life threats. – Do not be tricked! Conscious and breathing patient does not necessarily mean a stable patient

3. Primary Assessment Airway and breathing – Are they talking to you? If so they have open airway – but be prepared for suction – Do not hesitate to give oxygen! Circulation – Assess the patient’s circulatory status and pulse and skin condition Cap refill!

4. Primary Assessment Transport decision – Based on: Vitals (Are they stable?) LOC Trauma (Any obvious deformities i.e. evisceration at a tailgate two years ago) Recommendation from fire safety

5. History Taking Investigate the chief complaint. – If your patient is responsive, at this point begin to take a SAMPLE history. – If your patient is not responsive, obtain this history from bystanders (i.e. friends, family, ID, medical bracelets!) If unresponsive use ALS, and gather as much information as possible for them (with at least one set of vitals)

6. History Taking SAMPLE history – Use SAMPLE as a tool of deductive reasoning to determine underlying conditions Also, ask the following questions: – What is the substance involved (may not just be alcohol)? – How long ago did the patient use this substance? – How much of the substance did the patient consume? Consider how much patient weighs when taking into consideration substance abuse – A 200 lb frat bro who is only responsive to pain only after 2 beers has something else going on with him

7. Secondary Assessment Physical examinations – Look for DCAPBTLS Vital signs – Look for alterations in the LOC, HR, R, BP, and skin signs.

8. Reassessment Reassess ABCs. Repeat the assessment of vital signs: – Every 15 minutes for a stable patient – Every 5 minutes for unstable patient Average LAFD response time is 6 minutes. You should have at least one set of vitals and a SAMPLE done by the time they get there (unless unresponsive)!

9. Possible Underlying Conditions Trauma Shock Electrolyte disturbances Cardiac disorders Alcoholic Ketoacidosis

10. General Tips Control the scene – Be confident (use the cheat sheet!) and don’t let the patient/patient’s friends bully you – You are here because they need help, and as a result you need to get certain information/vitals from them – Be friendly, yet stern