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Medical · Adult / adolescent · ALS

Overdose & poisoning

Support ventilation first, then identify the opioid, stimulant, cholinergic, or smoke-exposure pathway.

OCEMS source summary · Updated 2026-09-16

Key cautions & base contact

  • Protect rescuers from exposure and use the exposure-specific source.
  • Do not mistake successful opioid reversal for resolution of all toxicologic risk. Pediatric poisoning uses different doses and SO-P-085.

Initial support

  • Assist ventilation with BVM and suction as needed. Give oxygen for room-air SpO₂ below 95% using the source’s mask or cannula options.
  • Check glucose and treat qualifying hypoglycemia with the source’s oral glucose, D10, or glucagon pathway. For systolic BP below 90 with clear lungs, give 250 mL saline boluses up to 1 L.
  • The detailed poisoning order has condition-specific access and treatment exceptions; do not treat this overview as an exposure-specific toxicology protocol.

Suspected opioid toxicity

  • With respiratory depression at 12/min or fewer, give naloxone 0.8, 1, or 2 mg IN/IM, or 0.4–1 mg IV. Repeat every 3 minutes as needed to maintain breathing; the source also lists a 4 mg preloaded nasal spray.
  • Continue respiratory support and reassess after every dose.

Stimulant or organophosphate exposure

  • For stimulant toxicity, monitor breathing, oxygenation, temperature, and perfusion. Cool when hyperthermia is suspected and use the relevant seizure/sedation instructions with airway readiness.
  • For suspected organophosphate toxicity, SO-M-050 lists atropine 2 mg IV or IM, repeating once as needed. Bronchospasm, seizures, and DuoDote use have additional source-specific pathways.

Smoke, cyanide & dystonic reactions

  • Suspected CO toxicity requires high-flow oxygen. For suspected cyanide toxicity, including concerning plastic/hydrocarbon smoke, hydroxocobalamin 5 g IV/IO over 15 minutes requires a base order.
  • For an extrapyramidal/dystonic reaction, diphenhydramine 50 mg IM/IV once is listed.
  • Provide ALS escort to the nearest ERC or contact base as needed; communicate exposure details, treatment, and response.