You are on scene in a remote part of a local park, where an unresponsive female patient was found by a passing security guard. The female patient, who looks to be in her 20s, has needle tracks on her arms; an empty syringe was found nearby. You have initiated spine motion restriction precautions, inserted a nasal airway, and alerted dispatch for ALS backup. The patient is currently breathing adequately and has a blood pressure of 102/78 mmHg, a heart rate of 68 beats/min, and respirations of 12 breaths/min. While awaiting arrival of the ALS unit, which of these steps is most appropriate?

Toxicological emergencies are caused by substances that impair health or cause death by entering the body or touching the skin. These emergencies include: intentional overdose, unintentional poisoning, occupational exposure, environmental hazards, envenomation, biologic and chemical warfare, and radiation illness.  Toxicological emergencies are often complex and require a deep understanding of pharmacology. For example, carbon monoxide poisoning can cause mild to severe symptoms, including headache, nausea, dizziness, confusion, seizure, and coma. Other important findings in poisoning may... Show more

Toxicological emergencies are caused by substances that impair health or cause death by entering the body or touching the skin. These emergencies include:
intentional overdose, unintentional poisoning, occupational exposure, environmental hazards, envenomation, biologic and chemical warfare, and radiation illness. 

Toxicological emergencies are often complex and require a deep understanding of pharmacology. For example, carbon monoxide poisoning can cause mild to severe symptoms, including headache, nausea, dizziness, confusion, seizure, and coma. Other important findings in poisoning may include: muscle rigidity, tremors, and fasciculations. 
 

Here are some tips for treating poisonings:
For poisons taken internally:
Look into the victim's mouth and remove all tablets, powder, or any material that is present
Examine the mouth for cuts, burns, swelling, unusual coloring, or odor 

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