How to manage a poisoning
Other platforms explain it with text and video. In VMS you practice it on the patient.
The history of what was taken guides treatment. Bring the containers.
Step by step
Scene safety
Gases, chemicals, needles. [1]
ABCs
Airway, breathing, circulation, glucose. [1]
What, how much, when, how
Substance, amount, time, route; bring the containers. [1]
Poison Control
Call 1-800-222-1222 in the US for expert advice. [1]
Do not induce vomiting
Decontaminate skin and eyes with water. [1]
Antidotes
Per protocol (for example naloxone for opioids). [1]
Common errors
- Inducing vomiting.
- Leaving containers behind.
- Missing co-ingestions.
Practice it in VMS
In VMS you do this on the patient, not on paper: every step goes on the checklist with a score, and in Teach mode Blocky tells you what comes next.
VMS cases that train this skill
Sources
Facts and steps follow NASEMSO National Model EMS Clinical Guidelines; NREMT psychomotor skill sheets (EMT and Paramedic). VMS is not affiliated with these organizations. Updated: 2026-10-11.