[Initial assessment and management of acute poisonings].
In Switzerland about 250 severe or fatal cases of poisoning occur annually in adults, and approximately 25 cases of pediatric poisoning (calls to the Swiss Toxicological Information Centre). Patients with life-threatening symptoms need immediate intensive care according to their symptoms, regardless whether the responsible cause is known or not. In these cases the emergency ABCDE (Airway, Breathing, Circulation, Disabilities, Exposure) is used. The investigation of the cause of poisoning (identification of the responsible agents) and additional tests including ECG, lab analyses, and x-rays are performed at the same time. Their results are continuously included into the management of the poisoned patient. It is essential that the treatment chosen does not negatively interact with the known or potential toxicant thus worsening the symptoms. Specific treatments are possible only if the underlying toxicants are known, or if a toxidrome reveals a substance group as underlying cause of the condition, required for a targeted treatment.
von Ow
Dieter
D
Zentrale Notfallaufnahme, Kantonsspital St. Gallen, St. Gallen. dieter.vonow@kssg.ch
Osterwalder
Joseph J
JJ
D003666:Decontamination; D004630:Emergencies; D005751:Gastric Lavage; D006801:Humans; D011041:Poisoning / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy*