Transcript Medical ER - GEOCITIES.ws

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