Emergency Management of Acute Poisoning

EDGE24 Emergency Medicine

Please note there is a new version of this module.

Your EDGE24 modules will count toward your EDGE26 certificate !

There is no requirement to complete any of the EDGE modules a second time. For EDGE24 modules you are not yet enrolled in, you are directed to enrol in the equivalent EDGE26 module and continue your path through the EDGE course. At the completion of all 24 modules you will be able to request an EDGE26 Course Certificate (36 CPD Hours).

View EDGE26 Course

EDGE24 Module 11 : Acute Poisoning

Latest Course Update: January 2024

The poisoned patient is one of the most complex emergency presentations and requires rapid assessment and stabilisation. Immediate life-threatening complications may occur (often with little or no warning) and require advanced skills in resuscitation (including airway management and vascular access).

In this module we consider the approach to the poisoned patient focusing on the "Risk Assessment" and techniques for minimising toxicity by reducing absorption, enhancing drug elimination from the body or reversing the toxic effects of the poison. Poisoning is a huge area of emergency medicine but fortunately in most circumstances we can apply our Primary Survey and Resuscitation skills and seek advice on the next step in management from databases or contacting our local Poison information service.