Occupational hazard: treating cocaine body packers in Caribbean countries.
Body packing is a common method of smuggling cocaine where individuals ingest several drug-filled parcels for transport. When identified by the authorities, body packers are usually taken to hospital for evaluation. There are several points during management of these patients when the health care team may be placed at risk. We explore the hazards encountered during the management of these patients in developing Caribbean nations.
Cawich
Shamir O
SO
Department of Basic Medical Sciences, University of the West Indies, Mona, Kingston 7, Jamaica. socawich@hotmail.com
Williams
Eric W
EW
Evans
Necia R
NR
Johnson
Peter
P
D017691:Caribbean Region; D003042:Cocaine / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000633:toxicity; D004349:Drug Packaging; D006291:Health Policy; D006801:Humans; D007415:Intestinal Obstruction / Q000628:therapy; D010564:Personnel, Hospital / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000628:therapy
D003042:Cocaine