Dr Trowers

Epidemiology

• over 4 million poisonings annually
• 10% of ED visits and EMS responses
• 70% of accidental poisonings occur in children under 6 years old
• 80% of attempted suicides involve a drug overdose

Routes of Exposure

• Ingestion

• Household products
• Petroleum based
• cleaning agents
• cosmetics
• drugs, plants, or foods
• absorption occurs in stomach and small intestine

• toxic gases, vapors, fumes, aerosols (cyanide)
• carbon monoxide, ammonia, chlorine
• tear gas, Freon, nitrous oxide, methyl chloride
• carbon tetrachloride
• absorption occurs via capillary-alveolar membrane in the lungs
• SCENE SAFTEY IS PARAMOUNT – DO NOT GO IN WITHOUT PROPER PPE

• recognize poisonings promptly
• assess patient thoroughly to id the toxin and measures to control it
• initiate standard treatment procedures

• protect rescuer safety
• remove patient from toxic environment
• support ABCs
• monitor vitals signs closely
• reduce intake (wash skin, remove from environment, activated charcoal, etc)

• involve law enforcement
• involve medical control
• know local procedures and laws

• what
• when
• how much
• did you drink alcohol
• have you attempted to treat yourself
• have you been under psychiatric care? Why?
• what is your weight

To be continued…….