Specific Poisons

Tolerance from long-term substance misuse

Developing a tolerance to a substance after long-term misuse.

Definition of addiction

An overwhelming desire or need to continue using a substance, at whatever cost, with a tendency to increase the dose.

Health risk for known drug users

High incidence of serious, undiagnosed infections like HIV and hepatitis.

Potential behavior of intoxicated patients

May bite, spit, hit, or otherwise injure you.

Risk from intoxicated patients regarding body fluids

May cause you to come into contact with their blood and other body fluids.

PPE requirement for drug-related calls

Always wear appropriate PPE.

Approach and priority for drug-related calls

Use a calm, professional approach but keep your safety and your team's safety uppermost in mind.