care a medic

My opinion: treat the patient-not the monitor(per se). Usually, when the patient has taken crack, his HR is tachycardic and BP WNL. the EKG may also be normal. Just look at the patient and the history he gives you, and you will probably pick up on it 90% of the time. I'm not trying to be a smart-butt with my first statement. I've come across many substance abuse cases and I basically treat them with what is presented. Most of the time, they aren't going to admit to drug usage, until you get to the ED-maybe. They just do not want to tell the medic. They feel more comfortable telling the Doc because of patient confidentiality(?), and feel the medic will tell law enforcement whether they(LE) are on the scene or not. I hope this helped! Stay safe!