This is the first of a 2-part series on "Packers and Stuffers". In this episode Andy, Ingrid and Nick discuss the process of managing a patient suspected of body packing (ingestion of large quantities of drugs for the purpose of smuggling) in the ED.  We pulled this content from Module 2 of the Tox Course at ETM Online as we felt it was so valuable we should release it for free. Be sure to subscribe to the podcast and you can catch the next episode on body stuffers as well! If you haven't already, head over to ETM Online and check out modules 1, 2 and 3 of the Tox Course now!

In this episode we take a deep dive into assessing and managing acute behavioural disturbances that intoxicated patients frequently present with. We cover safety and security, medico-legal issues, capacity and consent, how to run a code grey/black, physical restraint, the extreme risk associated with prone restraint and medical assessment of these patients. If you enjoyed this episode, check out the Tox Course at etmonline.com

In this episode we talk to Dr Martin Dutch, Emergency Physician and one of the most experienced doctors in Australia in the emerging field of "mass gathering medicine" (or as we like to call it "festival medicine"!). Martin gives us an in-depth view of how medical care at music festivals has evolved over the last two decades, then we take a deep dive into the management of one of the scariest medical conditions Emergency care providers can be faced with: the young, severely hyperthermic, critically unwell serotonergic/sympathomimetic toxicity patient. This is a sphincter-tightening situation for even the most experienced clinicians, and Martin walks us through his approach on how to successfully manage and then safely transport these patients from festival to hospital. This is a must-listen episode for anyone who may treat substance affected patients, and could literally help you one-day save a life that hangs in the balance. References: Martin and his team have published a case series of these patients, it's a fascinating read: Characteristics, presentation and outcomes of music festival patrons with stimulant drug-induced serotonin toxicity.  A more sobering read on music festival related deaths in Australia was also published recently: Drug-related deaths at Australian music festivals.  If you enjoyed the podcast check out the Tox Course at ETM Online Also check out our new free toxicology blog at toxcourse.com

Welcome to the first episode of the new Tox Course Podcast. In this episode Clinical Toxicologist Dr Ingrid Berling and Emergency Physician Dr Nick Dafters discuss the Poisons Information Centre and Clinical Toxicology services in Australia. If you enjoyed the podcast check out the Tox Course at ETM Online Also check out our new free toxicology blog at toxcourse.com Links: TAPNA – Toxicology And Poisons Network Australasia Virtual Toxicology Service decreases the average length of stay of poisoned patients and saves bed days Poisons Information Services: NSW VIC WA QLD SA