Gathering accurate information regarding the nature of the substance(s) ingested is an important

part of the prehospital care for toxic ingestion. For the vast majority of toxic ingestion, no specific

antidotes are available. An EMS provider transport service must be contacted for response to

provide additional treatment and transfer to an appropriate facility.

A. Call for EMS transport, if not already activated.

B. Maintain airway:

1. Administer oxygen 15 LPM via non-rebreathing mask.

2. If patient cannot tolerate mask, administer oxygen 6 LPM via nasal cannula.

3. Be prepared to assist ventilations as needed, with oxygen via mouth to mask.

C. Monitor vital signs.

D. Determine the substance ingested:

1. What.

2. When.

3. How much.

4. Over what period of time.

E. Contact Medical Command - do not give anything orally unless ordered by Medical

Command.

F. If patient is unconscious:

1. Position on left side.

2. Watch for vomiting and shock.

G. Transfer patient to the transporting EMS provider.