Which action should EMTs take for caustic substance ingestion?

Which action should EMTs take for caustic substance ingestion?

• A. Avoid inducing vomiting
• B. Suction airway as needed
• C. Dilute swallowed substances only if advised
• D. Contact poison control and transport

Answer: (A)

Caustic ingestions require avoiding any action that could re-expose tissue to the chemical or push it deeper into the esophagus. Inducing vomiting is avoided because it can bring the caustic substance back up into the mouth and throat, increasing burns and the risk of aspiration into the lungs. The priority is to protect the airway, prevent further exposure, and get the patient to definitive care, while contacting poison control for exposure-specific guidance. Do not give anything by mouth unless a poison-control center explicitly instructs you to, and dilution of the substance is not routinely performed unless advised. Suction the airway as needed to maintain patency as part of airway management.

Caustic ingestions require avoiding any action that could re-expose tissue to the chemical or push it deeper into the esophagus. Inducing vomiting is avoided because it can bring the caustic substance back up into the mouth and throat, increasing burns and the risk of aspiration into the lungs. The priority is to protect the airway, prevent further exposure, and get the patient to definitive care, while contacting poison control for exposure-specific guidance. Do not give anything by mouth unless a poison-control center explicitly instructs you to, and dilution of the substance is not routinely performed unless advised. Suction the airway as needed to maintain patency as part of airway management.