Chapter 35 Poisoning and Allergic Reactions. © 2005 by Thomson Delmar Learning,a part of The Thomson Corporation. All Rights Reserved 2 Overview Poisoning

Chapter 35Poisoning and Allergic Reactions

2

© 2005 by Thomson Delmar Learning,a part of The Thomson Corporation. All Rights Reserved

Overview

Poisoning Ingested Poisons Inhaled Poisons

3


Overview

Injected Poisons Absorbed Poisons Allergic Reactions

4


Poisoning

General assessment– If poison is still present on scene, it

may pose a hazard to EMTs

5


Poisoning

General assessment – Obtain specific history of poisoning event

• Name of poisonous substance• Exact time of exposure• Treatments before EMS arrival• Determine patient’s weight

6


Poisoning

General management– Make sure the scene is safe to enter– Treat life-threatening problems first– Consult medical control for further

instructions on management

7


Poisoning

General management– Transport patient

• Include any containers with the substance

– Be alert to signs of decompensation– Call for ALS

8


Some therapies for poisoned patients are dependent upon accurate identification of the substance involved.

9


Ingested Poisons

Most common route May be intentional Signs and symptoms vary greatly

– Usually affect the GI tract and the airway

Manage ABCs May use activated charcoal

10


11


Inhaled Poisons

If poison is airborne, it could affect the responding EMTs

Respiratory complaints are common Remove patient from area Manage ABCs

12


13


Injected Poisons

Not very common– May result from animal or insect bite

Signs and symptoms depend on the specific poison

14


Injected Poisons

Manage patient– Maintain safety at the scene– Remove patient from danger – Keep affected body part lower than heart– Keep patient still– Administer oxygen

15


16


Absorbed Poisons

Can be absorbed through skin or injure skin upon contact

Skin irritation, burns, itching may be common Ensure scene safety

– Trained providers must decontaminate patient– Substance should be removed

17


18


Stop and Review

Name the ways poisons can enter the body. What are the signs and symptoms related to

each of these routes of poisoning? When is activated charcoal used? Why is it important to contact medical control

and call for ALS?

19


Allergic Reactions

The immune system in some individuals can be very sensitive to some substances– Unable to fight against these substances

Some reactions may be severe and cause life-threatening events

20


Allergic Reactions

Many body systems are affected Rash and hives may occur Airway can become inflamed and swollen Blood vessels may dilate in severe reactions

21


Allergic Reactions

Signs and symptoms: Mild allergy – Warm, red skin– Hives– Itching– Localized swelling– Itchy, watery eyes– Headache– Runny nose

22


Courtesy of the CDC Public Health Image Library

23


Allergic Reaction

Signs and symptoms: Severe reaction

–Throat tightness–Shortness of breath–Cough–Wheezing–Stridor

–Hoarseness–Tachypnea –Tachycardia–Hypotension–Dizziness

24


Allergic Reaction

Assessment– Manage the airway and provide high-flow oxygen– Treat for hypoperfusion if evident– Assist with ventilations if necessary– Transport immediately– Repeat the ongoing assessment frequently

25


Allergic Reaction

Allergic reactions can progress rapidly without proper treatment

If patient has known allergy, an EpiPen may have been prescribed by a physician

Epinephrine dilates bronchioles and constricts blood vessels

26


27


Stop and Review

Explain the difference between mild and severe allergic reactions.

Why is airway management important in the treatment of the patient with an allergic reaction?

When is the epinephrine autoinjector used?

Documents

Chapter 35 Poisoning and Allergic Reactions. © 2005 by Thomson Delmar Learning,a part of The Thomson Corporation. All Rights Reserved 2 Overview Poisoning