Final answer:
In medical emergencies, many EMT-B protocols allow the administration of activated charcoal. It is a porous substance that can bind with and help expel toxins from the system when used in cases of oral poisoning. However, its use is depending on the EMT-B's specific protocol and the type of poison involved.
Step-by-step explanation:
True, In the field of emergency medical care, many protocols for Emergency Medical Technicians-Basic (EMT-B) do allow the administration of activated charcoal. This substance is a fine black powder made from bone char, coconut shells, peat, petroleum coke, coal, olive pits or sawdust. The activated charcoal is processed to make it extremely porous, giving it a large surface area for adsorption. Adsorption is a chemical reaction in which certain substances are attracted to activated charcoal and bind with it. The primary use for it in medicine is in treating oral poisoning. Activated charcoal can attach to toxins in the stomach before they are absorbed into the bloodstream, which are then expelled from the system. Although administering activated charcoal is commonly permitted, it's important for an EMT-B to adhere to their specific protocol because the administration of this remedy is highly situation dependant. It's notable that it's used for certain types of poisons, but not for others such as alcohol, heavy metals and caustic substances.
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