Slide 8-Slide 8-11

GENERAL PRINCIPLESGENERAL PRINCIPLES

• Prognosis depends on aggressive removal.Prognosis depends on aggressive removal.

• Treatment is based on local protocols.Treatment is based on local protocols.

• At properly managed scenes, it should not be a problem.At properly managed scenes, it should not be a problem.

• Treatment is geared toward removal or neutralization of the Treatment is geared toward removal or neutralization of the toxin.toxin.

• In some cases, emesis may not be suitable.In some cases, emesis may not be suitable.

– With comatose patientsWith comatose patients

– When caustics are involvedWhen caustics are involved

– For petroleum productsFor petroleum products

– For pesticides carried on hydrocarbonsFor pesticides carried on hydrocarbons

• Safe Rule: Safe Rule: Always follow local protocals.Always follow local protocals.

Slide 8-Slide 8-22

FOUR BASIC TREATMENTSFOUR BASIC TREATMENTS

• IpecacIpecac

• Activated charcoalActivated charcoal

• CatharticsCathartics

• Neutralizing agentsNeutralizing agents

Slide 8-Slide 8-33

TREATMENTSTREATMENTS

IpecacIpecac Activated charcoalActivated charcoal

Has its own hazardsHas its own hazards Binds to the toxin forBinds to the toxin for

elimination or lavageelimination or lavage

AspirationAspiration

SeizuresSeizures Not effective for all toxinsNot effective for all toxins

Some question theSome question the May be used with Ipecac,May be used with Ipecac,

efficacy of thisefficacy of this after emesisafter emesis

Slide 8-Slide 8-44

TREATMENTS (cont'd)TREATMENTS (cont'd)

CatharticsCathartics Neutralizing AgentsNeutralizing Agents

Can be very messyCan be very messy Not a field therapyNot a field therapy

An uncommon fieldAn uncommon field Specific to poison ingestedSpecific to poison ingested

therapytherapy

May not work withMay not work with Local protocols, medicalLocal protocols, medical

a deeply comatosea deeply comatose control, and Poison Controlcontrol, and Poison Control

patientpatient Centers to be used in eachCenters to be used in each

instanceinstance