ABSTRACT
Part A: Initial Management As with all emergency situations, initial m anagem ent m ust im m ediately assess
and address the A B C s o f emergency managem ent.
A. Airway • The clinican must guarantee an adequate airway and a decreased level o f consciousness,
absence o f a gag and inability to control secretions should result in a decision to intubate. • M any poisoned patients with altered mental status have been involved in trauma
(motor vehicle accidents, falls, altercations) so intubation should proceed with in line stabilization o f the neck.
