Citation

Zilker T, Kreimeier U. Notfall Rettungsmed. 2007; 10(6): 443-459.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2007, Holtzbrinck Springer Nature Publishing Group)

DOI

10.1007/s10049-007-0952-1

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

About 10% of all medical emergency call-outs concern intoxications, in most cases with the idea of suicide in the background and mostly with hypnotics or psychopharmaceuticals. These cases are usually well controlled by means of basic life support (BLS) and assisted or controlled ventilation. The most important aim is to avoid aspiration. Antidotes are available for poisoning by some substances. It is essential that the emergency service is equipped with 4-DMAP for cyanide intoxication and with 1% atropine and obidoxim for organophosphate poisoning. Particular importance also attaches to anti-arrhythmics. Those affected need maximum treatment at the scene. The agents to use are sodium bicarbonate in the case of class Ia and Ic anti-arrhythmics, as for tricyclic antidepressants; high doses of adrenaline when class II anti-arrhythmics have been taken; potassium and dopamine when class III anti-arrhythmics are involved; and calcium and catecholamines when class IV anti-arrhythmics have been taken. © 2007 Springer Medizin Verlag.

Language: de

Keywords

Antidote; Emergency care; Avoidance of aspiration; Hypnotic intoxication; Psychopharmaceutical intoxication