Biomedical Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
underlying skin should be decontaminated with
large amounts of water.
II. Maintain adequate airway control
III. Maintain patient's respirations as needed
IV. Maintain patient's circulation as needed
V. Establish IV access (normal saline, KVO)
VI. Prepare to treat Pulmonary Edema, Hypoxia
and Hypotension
Protocol for Cyanide Poisoning
I. Assure your own safety
II. Maintain adequate airway control
a. Administer high flow oxygen (15 lpm)
III. Maintain patient's respirations as needed
IV. Maintain patient's circulation as needed
V. Establish IV access (normal saline, KVO)
VI. Administer amyl nitrite (1-2 pearls, crushed
and inhaled)
VII. Administer 300mg of sodium nitrite IV,
slowly over 2-4 minutes.
VIII. Administer 12.5 g of sodium thiosulfate
(after sodium nitrite).
IX. Sodium nitrite and sodium thiosulfate can
be repeated at half of the original dose
if symptoms persist (15mg sodium nitrite,
6.25 g of Sodium Thiosulfate).
Riot Control Agents
Riot control agents are designed to produce
eye irritation and closure and produce tran-
sient discomfort in order to make the recipient
temporarily incapable. Their major effect is to
cause pain, burning and discomfort on exposed
mucous membranes and exposed skin. The effects
occur within seconds and seldom persist more than
several minutes after exposure has ended. Exam-
ples include CS gas.
Signs and Symptoms of Riot Control Agent
Exposure
Burning and pain on exposed mucous membranes
and skin, eye pain and burning, pain in
nostrils, respiratory discomfort and tingling of the
exposed skin.
Pulmonary Agents
Inhalation of pulmonary agents leads to varying
degrees of pulmonary edema, which usually
presents after a latent period that varies in length
depending on the amount of the agent the patient
is exposed to. The principle pulmonary agent is
Phosgene Gas.
Decontamination of Riot Control Agents
Eyes—Thoroughly flush with water, saline or
similar substance
Skin—Flush with large amounts of water
Signs and Symptoms of Pulmonary Agent
Exposure
Eye and airway irritation, dyspnea, chest tightness
and delayed pulmonary edema. Phosgene smells
like newly mowed hay, cut grass or corn.
Protocol for Riot Control Agent Exposure
I. Assure your own safety
II. Maintain adequate airway control
III. Maintain patient's respirations as needed
IV. Maintain patient's circulation as needed
V. Establish IV access (normal saline, KVO)
VI. Remainder of treatment is supportive and
focused on decontamination, signs and symp-
toms should be limited after decontamination
Decontamination of Pulmonary Agents
Exposure to Vapor—fresh air
Exposure to Liquid—Large amounts of water
Protocol for Pulmonary Agent Exposure
I. Assure your own safety
a. Remove patient and self from immediate
area to fresh air
Nuclear Agents
The types of ionizing radiation that EMS providers
need to be concerned about are alpha particles,
