POISONING / OVERDOSE                                                                                                                        SOG 9.20

Basic

I. Initial Assessment
Mechanism of injury.
Administer highest concentration of oxygen, as tolerated.
II. Focused History and Physical Exam
Maintain a patent airway.
Bring suspected poison, drugs, (dead) insect or reptile to hospital.
Determine cause:

Swallowed Poisons
Do not give anything by mouth unless directed by Poison Control.
Inhaled Poisons
Get patient to fresh air.
Continue oxygen.
Poison on Skin
Remove contaminated clothing.
If powder, brush from skin.
Flush skin with water for 20 minutes.
Poison in Eyes
Flush eyes continuously with water.
Poison by Injection
If injection site on extremity, keep it dependent and apply a splint.
III. Ongoing Assessment
Monitor changes in patient's condition.
Continue monitoring of oxygen therapy.