Primary Assessment

Assumption to avoid with poisoning/abuse patients

Do not assume a conscious, alert, and oriented patient is in stable condition with no life threats.

Reason a poisoned patient may appear stable initially

A harmful or lethal amount of poison may not have had time to produce systemic reactions.

First airway/breathing actions for a poisoned patient

Quickly ensure an open airway and adequate ventilation.

Oxygen therapy for breathing difficulty

Begin oxygen therapy if the patient has any difficulty breathing.

Oxygen for suspected inhalation injury (carbon monoxide/cyanide)

Place the patient on high-flow oxygen regardless of the pulse oximetry reading.

Airway management for an unresponsive patient

If unresponsive to painful stimuli, consider inserting an airway adjunct.

Precaution for vomiting in poisoned patients

Have suction available; these patients are susceptible to vomiting.

Need for ventilatory assistance with depressants

You may have to assist ventilations with a bag-mask device as some substances are depressants.

Assessment of circulatory status in poisoned patients

Assess the patient’s circulatory status, which varies depending on the substance.

Indication for prompt transport in poisoned patients

Patients with obvious alterations in the XABCs or a poor general impression.

Decontamination requirement for hazardous material exposure

Everyone exposed must be thoroughly decontaminated by the hazmat team before leaving the scene