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Standard precautions for poisoning scenes

Must be taken because of the risk of possible cross-contamination.

Sign of a potential inhaled poison

An unpleasant or odd odor in the room, which requires assessing if the scene is safe.

Sign of a potential overdose

Medication bottles near the patient, especially with medication missing.

Indicator of possible substance involvement

The presence of alcoholic beverage containers.

Sign of injected poison use

Syringes or other drug paraphernalia on the scene.

Indicator of an illegal drug laboratory

A suspicious odor and/or drug paraphernalia present.

Precaution for a suspected drug laboratory

Ensure scene safety as these laboratories can be volatile