Secondary contamination in organophosphate poisoning: analysis of an incident.
BACKGROUND
Acute organophosphate poisoning is rare in the UK, and the risks to attending staff are seldom appreciated.


METHODS
Report of an incident.


RESULTS
In May 2001, a 45-year-old man attempted suicide by drinking organophosphate insecticide, and was brought to an urban general hospital in a collapsed state. Twenty-five hospital workers and paramedics sought medical advice after coming into contact with the poisoned patient, of whom ten complained of symptoms related to toxin exposure. Provision of emergency services by the hospital was compromised, and the emergency department was closed until the area was decontaminated and staffing levels could be restored.


CONCLUSIONS
Ingestion of OP compounds can present a significant risk to health professionals as well as patients. Problems with the management of this patient included late recognition of the need for decontamination, large numbers of non-essential staff coming into contact with the patient, and the difficulty of carrying out medical procedures while wearing protective equipment. Decontamination should always be considered early, and the possibility of an ingested poison being vomited and causing a chemical spill should not be overlooked.
Stacey
R
R
Southampton General Hospital, Tremona Road, Southampton, UK.
Morfey
D
D
Payne
S
S
D003666:Decontamination / Q000379:methods*; D004196:Disease Outbreaks; D004636:Emergency Service, Hospital; D006801:Humans; D017758:Infectious Disease Transmission, Patient-to-Professional / Q000517:prevention & control; D007306:Insecticides / Q000506:poisoning*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016273:Occupational Exposure / Q000517:prevention & control*; D009943:Organophosphorus Compounds; D010564:Personnel, Hospital; D011041:Poisoning / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D013406:Suicide, Attempted
D007306:Insecticides; D009943:Organophosphorus Compounds