Description

The aim of this course is to explore key issues involved in managing poisoned and substance affected patients within the Emergency Department (ED) or other acute care environments.

Each section involves recommended reading and other resources followed by a clinical scenario(s) where you are encouraged to consider how you might manage the patient. Some post scenario commentary is also provided.

Setting

Most of the cases in the lessons will involve presentation to or referral to/consultation with the Archie Gemmill Toxic Trauma Centre (AGTTC). The AGTTC is a (fictional) state of the art facility located within the Sydney CBD, New South Wales, Australia. The ED has an annual census of 90,000 patients, has adult and paediatric ICU capability as well as ECMO on site. It is a tertiary referral service for other district general hospitals and many rural facilities.