Question: I have checked with a SWORBHP Educator and they did confirm that you cannot Medical TOR an OD but you can do Medical TOR on Drowning Hanging and Electrocution. There still seems to be doubt out in the field so I thought I would post so all could see answer

 First, I am glad that the SWORBHP Educator agrees with us! Second, this question has already been addressed and posted on the site.

The SWORBHP Medical Council has decided that in order to make it easier for paramedics, they not have to decide on the spot if an arrest was of suspected cardiac etiology or not to patch to the BHP for consideration of a TOR. Please see other FAQ with the rationale for this decision.

This was meant to include drownings or asphyxial type of cardiac arrests (such as hanging) which have caused confusion in the past.

The Medical Cardiac Arrest Medical Directive however specifically mentions that: In unusual circumstances (e.g. Pediatric patients or toxicologic overdoses), consider transportation following the first rhythm analysis that does not result in a defibrillation being delivered."

So to answer your question, the SWORBHP recommends that, as per the Medical Directive, in the case of a suspected arrest due to a toxicologic overdose, the paramedic consider transportation following the first rhythm analysis that does not result in a defibrillation being delivered.

Cardiac/Circulation,Medical Cardiac Arrest

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