Overdose: Sedative Agents / Psychostimulants (Paediatric)
 
Status
• Suspected overdose of:
  - Sedative agents
  - Psychostimulants
   
Assess
Substance involved
   
Sedative agents
Be aware for potential for agitation / aggression particularly in GHB / volatile substance abuse
Pt may require airway management
Manage agitation / aggression as per The Agitated Patient
- Children up to 14 will need to be covered by this Adult Guideline if sedation is required
 
 
 
 
   
Psychostimulants
Be aware of potential for violent behaviour, particularly with Methamphetamines
Reduce stimulus by calming and controlling Pt environment
Manage seizures as per Tonic-Clonic Seizures
Manage temp. as per Hyperthermia/ Heat Stress or Hypothermia / Cold Exposure
Manage agitation / aggression as per The Agitated Patient
- Children up to 14 will need to be covered by this Adult Guideline if sedation is required
 
Special Notes
If Pt still refuses transport after repeating the advice for transport using friend/relative assistance, advise the Pt and responsible third person of follow-up, counselling facilities and actions to take for continuing care if symptoms reoccur.
For young persons, Paramedics should strongly encourage them to make contact with a responsible adult.
Paramedics should call the Police if in their professional judgement there appears to be factors that place the Pt at increased risk, such as:
- is subject to violence (e.g. from a parent, guardian or care giver)
- is likely to be, or is in danger of sexual exploitation
In particular for children where:
- the supply of drugs appears to be from a parent/ guardian/care giver.
- there is other evidence of child abuse/maltreatment or evidence of serious untreated injuries.
If Pt claims to have taken an overdose of a potentially life-threatening substance then they must be transported to hospital. Police assistance should be sought to facilitate this as required.
Documentation of refusal and actions taken must be recorded on the PCR.
If a young person makes it known they are involved with DHS Child Protection and they give permission, an attempt should be made on their behalf to contact the young person’s Child Protection practitioner, Region or Child Protection After Hours Service (24hr. on 131 278) to advise of the Ambulance attendance and treatment. The intent is to make arrangements for ongoing care for this Pt. Such contact is best made through the senior clinician in operations/ communication centre.
In such situations if the Police are contacted, they will notify Department of Human Services Child Protection if they believe the young person is in need of protection.