In this episode of the Inside EMS podcast, hosts Chris Cebollero and Kelly Grayson dig deep into one of EMSâs most overlooked (and often forgotten) topics â toxidromes. You might remember the word from paramedic class, but todayâs street calls demand more than a vague memory. With patients taking everything from grandmaâs Ativan to street-made speed, understanding toxidromes is crucial for making quick, accurate clinical calls.
The crew breaks down the five major toxidromes every medic should know: anticholinergic, cholinergic, opioid, sympathomimetic and sedative-hypnotic. From classic mnemonics like âmad as a hatterâ to real-life stories of fire ant poisonings, this episode serves up practical knowledge with EMS-grade humor.
Chris and Kelly cover telltale signs (sweaty vs. dry skin, pinpoint vs. dilated pupils), treatment pearls of wisdom (easy on that naloxone, folks), and the real-world complications of polypharmacy. Plus, they touch on lesser-known players like serotonin syndrome and hallucinogens.
This oneâs a refresher you didnât know you needed â but youâll be grateful when you respond to your next overdose call.
Memorable quotes
- âAntidotes are overrated. Supportive care will take care of most of the toxidromes out there.â â Kelly Grayson
- âIf theyâre pleasantly stuporous but breathing effectively, itâs not an overdose. Itâs just a dose.â â Kelly Grayson
- âNarcan is not a punishment, itâs a treatment. You donât slam it, you bump it just a little bit, just enough to get them breathing again.â â Kelly Grayson
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