Abstract
Introduction
Toxic alcohol overdose poses a problem in patients who are suffering from the toxicological consequences of toxic alcohol exposure and front line emergency care providers, such as paramedics, need to be well versed in assessing patients, identifying specific toxicities, and implementing appropriate therapies.
Objectives
The aim of this research was to identify the current knowledge base of paramedics to recognise key clinical, pathophysiological and treatment features of toxic alcohol poisoning. Additionally, the emphasis in training and education of paramedics in terms of the level of importance assigned to toxic alcohol emergencies was evaluated.
Methods
The study was conducted as an anonymous online survey. Demographic data, timed choice and open-ended questions were collected to evaluate knowledge and identify gaps in toxic alcohol poisoning training by paramedics. The survey link was sent out to emergency medical services (EMS) organisations and individual paramedics in the southwest United States. Bivariate analysis via Pearson correlation coefficient (PCC) was used to compare variables.
Results
Eighty paramedics participated in the survey, with 60 (75%) participants completing all questions. Respondents were able to identify common sources of toxic alcohol exposure to varying degrees with 58% for methanol and 89% for ethylene glycol. Data indicated that a lack of knowledge of the underlying pathophysiology was related to missing education (PCC <0.05) in toxicology. Education appears to have been insufficient in regards to recognising and treating toxic alcohol exposure. A majority of respondents (68.6%) believed that assessment and treatment of toxic alcohol poisoning is an important component of their training.
Conclusions
Although symptom recognition for toxic alcohol poisoning is present in most EMS providers, pharmacological intervention and treatment approaches were often not known. The results indicate that there is a need for educators and curriculum builders to include additional coverage of topics of toxicological importance such as the anion gap and toxic alcohol assessment, pathophysiology and treatment.