Before administering activated charcoal to an adult patient who has overdosed, the EMT must:

In cases of overdose, activated charcoal is utilized to bind toxins in the gastrointestinal tract, preventing their absorption into the bloodstream. The administration process involves ensuring that the charcoal is well mixed and has the right consistency to be effective. Shaking the medication thoroughly before administration ensures that the activated charcoal is evenly distributed and can properly interact with the substance involved in the overdose.

If the charcoal is not adequately mixed, its efficacy could be compromised, leading to insufficient absorption of toxins. This is critical in managing overdose cases, where maximizing the effectiveness of the charcoal can significantly impact patient outcomes. Therefore, ensuring that the activated charcoal is appropriately prepared is vital before proceeding with administration. Other considerations, like the patient's prescription status, medical history, or recent gastrointestinal symptoms, are secondary to the proper preparation of the medication.