Purpose of Module:
The purpose of this module is to review the principles of treatment for the Poisoning and Overdose emergency.

Time to complete Poisoning and Overdose Emergency: 1/2 hour

Directions for using the Poisoning and Overdose Emergency:

1. Read the training Objectives
2. Review Brady Emergency Care, Eighth Edition pp. 382-416.
3. Watch the videotape "Mosby’s EMT-BASIC VIDEO SERIES, Lesson 4-6 Poisoning/Overdoses".
4. Use the MED EMT computer based training software and complete Chapter 12, Section 3.
5. Take the posttest.
6. Give module back to instructor or person in charge.

Training Objectives:

1. Review ways that poisons enter the body.
2. Review signs and symptoms associated with poisoning
3. Review emergency medical care for the patient with possible overdose.
4. Review the steps in the emergency medical care for the patient with suspected poisoning.
5. Review the generic and trade names, indications, contraindications, medication form, dose, administration, actions, side effects, and reassessment strategies for activated charcoal.
6. Review the rationale for administering activated charcoal.
7. Review care for alcohol abuse and withdrawal.
8. Review care for substance abuse and withdrawal.

Activities to Perform:

1. Watch the videotape "Mosby’s EMT-BASIC VIDEO SERIES, Lesson 4-6 Poisoning and Overdose Emergencies".
2. Use the MED EMT computer based training software and complete Chapter 12, Section 3.
3. Take the posttest to give yourself feedback on this module.

Posttest:

1. The factor that is least important in determining the effect of a poison is a patient’s:
A. gender.
B. age.
C. weight.
D. general health.

2. Activated charcoal is indicated in some cases of:
A. injected poisoning.
B. inhaled poisoning.
C. absorbed poisoning.
D. ingested poisoning.

3. The most frequent victims of poisoning are:
A. elderly citizens.
B. drug abusers.
C. infants and children.
D. teenagers.

4. Mind-affecting drugs that act on the central nervous system to distort sensor perceptions are known as:
A. uppers.
B. downers.
C. narcotics.
D. hallucinogens.

5. Reduced pulse rate, constricted pupils, profuse sweating, and reduced depth of breathing indicate the possible use of:
A. volatile chemicals.
B. narcotics.
C. hallucinogens.
D. downers.

ANSWERS: (1) A (2) D (3) C (4) D (5) B