In cases of suspected poisoning, how often should an EMT reassess the patient’s vital signs while en route to the hospital?

In cases of suspected poisoning, it is essential for an EMT to monitor the patient's vital signs closely due to the potentially rapid changes that can occur in their condition. Vital sign fluctuations can indicate worsening or improvement in the patient's status, which is crucial information for both the EMT and the receiving medical facility.

Reassessing vital signs every 10 minutes strikes a balance between being frequent enough to catch any significant changes while also allowing sufficient time to provide care and interventions. This interval is particularly important in cases of poisoning, where complications may arise suddenly, and timely recognition of these changes can significantly impact patient outcomes.

Utilizing a 10-minute interval ensures that the EMT can respond promptly to any deterioration, such as changes in heart rate, respiratory status, or blood pressure, which are critical in managing a poisoned patient effectively.