TREATMENT

The assessment and treatment for all Substance and drug abuse patients, is similar with few exceptions. Identifing the substance should be of prime concern for the EMT Basic, but does not effectively change the treatment procedures. The following is a good starting point for all suspected of confirmed substances.

PATIENT ASSESSMENT
• BSI
  • SCENE SIZE UP
  • Initial
    • Airway
    • Breathing
    • Circulation
    • Why were you called?
    • LOC
    • Priority for transport
    • Baseline Vitals
  • FOCUSED
    • MAY COME FROM BYSTANDER
    • Substance? - Anything besides ETOH
    • When (last drink)
    • Amount?
    • Over what period of time?
    • Interventions?
    • Estimated Weight
    • Effects.
    • COMPLETE SAMPLE
  • SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS
    • Odor of Alcohol (Do not confuse with acetone breath).
    • Swaying and unsteadiness
    • Slurred speech, rambling thoughts
    • Flushed appearance to the face
    • Nausea or vomiting
    • Poor coordination
    • Confusion
    • Hallucinations
    • Blackout and Altered Mental Status
  PATIENT CARE
  • Airway, airway, airway
  • Monitor mental status
  • In the case of "ecstasy" treat for dehydration and heat exhaustion
  • Monitor vital signs
  • Treat for shock
  • Protect patient from self-injury (possible restraint)
  • Watch for seizures
  • Transport

  Copyright © 2004
  Dana Cox
  please e-mail me @- EMS Consultants
  Revised - April 2004