ABSTRACT
Acute poisoning is responsible for approximately 100000 hospital admissions per year in England and Wales. The fact that in-patient mortality remains less than 1% is due in part to systemic management strategies. Provision of information by the network of Poisons Centres throughout the British Isles plays an important role in the implementation of these strategies. However, initial advice on specific issues can be obtained from the internet on TOXBASE on https://www.spib.axl.co.uk./
General points
The management of most acute poisonings is supportive. The main priority is cardiorespiratory support. 1. Airway
• Level of consciousness should be assessed using either the Edinburgh or Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS).
