Citation

Martens F. Notarzt 2000; 16(1): 35-40.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2000)

DOI

10.1055/s-2000-3

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Poisoning is a common event. Approx. 5 to 10% of the patients seen by the emergency physician on scene are intoxicated. Most of these patients are adults, who have poisoned themselve in a suicidal attempt. Common are sedatives, often combined with ethanol, whereas other drugs and chemical substances are not as frequent. Following the basic check up of vital functions and emergency procedures it is necessary to inspect the location where the patient was found, to get the history of the patient from himself or his relatives. A subtle medical examination as well as collection of suspicious materials for later toxicological analysis should follow. Therapy depends on the observed or expected seriousness of the poisoning. Supportive measures as artificial ventilation, intravenous fluids and/or pressure drugs are often sufficient. The use of antidotes is required only in a small group of patients and should be carefully considered due to possible secondary effects. Because most of the patients have taken the poisons orally, decontamination procedures of the gitract may be required. The indications for induced emesis, gastric lavage and activated charcoal have been revised. Emergency medical procedures should be adopted to the new recommendations concerning gastric lavage especially.

Language: en

Keywords

3,4 methylenedioxymethamphetamine; 4 dimethylaminophenol; activated carbon; alcohol intoxication; amiodarone; amitriptyline; amphetamine derivative; anamnesis; antidote; Antidotes; antihistaminic agent; artificial ventilation; atropine; benzodiazepine; beta adrenergic receptor blocking agent; beta adrenergic receptor stimulating agent; biperiden; caffeine; calcium antagonist; carbon dioxide; carbon monoxide; clomipramine; cocaine; corticosteroid; cyanide; Decontamination procedures; Diagnosis of poisoning; dimethoate; doxepin; drug; drug intoxication; emergency medicine; ephedrine; fluid therapy; flumazenil; glyceryl trinitrate; hyoscyamine; imipramine; intoxication; intravenous administration; lidocaine; maprotiline; naloxone; opiate; parathion; physical examination; physostigmine salicylate; Poison information centre; Poisoning; review; scopolamine; sodium thiosulfate; stomach lavage; suicide attempt; theophylline; toxicology; unindexed drug; urapidil