A nurse treats a patient in the Emergency DepartmentA nurse treats a patient in the Emergency Department

Clinics & services

Poisoning

Clinical toxicology guidelines

These compact one page guidelines detail the risk assessment and initial management of many common poisonings and envenomations.

Browse the guidelines

Our clinical toxicology guidelines can be accessed via a web-browser on desktop as well as iOS and Android mobile devices.
 

Disclaimer

The Austin Health Clinical Toxicology Guidelines presented on this website were developed by clinical toxicologists and Specialists in Poison Information (SPIs) primarily for use by clinicians working at the Austin Hospital in Melbourne.

The guidelines provide concise information to help clinicians assess and provide the most critical aspects of care for poisoned patients within the hospital setting. The guidelines do not aim to cover all poisonings, but to provide information regarding common poisonings and a number that are rare, but life-threatening.

Although the guidelines are based on contemporary published evidence, they are not designed to function as a textbook. Overall, they will not provide the reader with an in-depth rationale for the recommended management approach or recommended intervention. They are primarily designed to provide the reader with easily accessible information regarding the most critical aspects of a patient's assessment and initial management following acute poisoning.

These Austin Health Clinical Toxicology Guidelines were produced by all Austin Health Clinical Toxicologists and SPIs. Where possible we have achieved consensus between practicing clinicians. The guidelines do not however necessarily represent the views of all the clinicians employed by Austin Health.

The recommendations contained in these guidelines do not indicate an exclusive course of action, or serve as a standard of medical care. Variations, taking individual circumstances into account, may be appropriate.

These guidelines are designed for doctors and health care professionals. They are not intended for use by patients or the general public.

Always seek the advice of a health care professional when using this information and before making any medical decisions.

Feedback

Please send comments or suggestions to: 

Email: shaun.greene@austin.org.au