Approach to Poisonings in the Emergency Department

🔍Poisoning is any illness caused by exposure to toxic substances.

🚑Recreational drugs and alcohol are the most common causes of poisonings in the emergency department.

🌎Poisonings also include occupational and environmental exposures, deliberate self-harm, accidental ingestion, and chemical or biological weapon exposures.

📈The incidence of poisoning is unknown, but it is a very common cause of ED visits in the United States.

💡Emergency physicians play a crucial role in managing patients exposed to toxic substances.

What is the definition of poisoning?

—Poisoning refers to any illness caused by exposure to toxic substances.

What are the common causes of poisonings in the emergency department?

—Recreational drugs and alcohol are the most common causes of poisonings in the emergency department.

What other types of exposures are considered poisonings?

—Other types of exposures considered poisonings include occupational and environmental exposures, deliberate self-harm, accidental ingestion, and chemical or biological weapon exposures.

How common are poisonings in the United States?

—The incidence of poisoning is unknown, but it is a very common cause of ED visits in the United States.

What role do emergency physicians play in managing poisonings?

—Emergency physicians are the first line of care for patients exposed to toxic substances and play a crucial role in their management.

00:03This lecture discusses the general approach to poisonings in the emergency department.

00:09Poisoning refers to any illness caused by exposure to toxic substances, such as recreational drugs or alcohol.

00:16Other types of exposures considered poisonings include occupational and environmental exposures, deliberate self-harm, accidental ingestion, and chemical or biological weapon exposures.

00:33The incidence of poisoning is unknown, but it is a very common cause of ED visits in the United States.

01:02Emergency physicians are the first line of care for patients exposed to toxic substances and play a crucial role in their management.