FOAMed Resource Series Part IV: Toxicology
- Sep 16th, 2016
- Brit Long
- categories:
Author: Brit Long, MD (@long_brit, EM Attending Physician, SAUSHEC) // Edited by: Alex Koyfman, MD (@EMHighAK, EM Attending Physician, UTSW Medical Center / Parkland Memorial Hospital)
Today we cover Part IV of the FOAMed series: Toxicology. Prior posts have evaluated ECG (http://www.emdocs.net/foamed-resource-series-part-ecg/), ultrasound (http://www.emdocs.net/foamed-resource-series-part-ii-ultrasound/), and pediatrics (http://www.emdocs.net/foamed-resource-series-part-iii-pediatrics/). Toxicology is an ever-expanding subject, as new substances with potential for abuse and overdose are consistently being discovered. EM providers not only need to understand classic toxicology such as salicylate and acetaminophen overdose, but also new agents such as the synthetic opioid U-47700. FOAMed provides a means to accomplish this.
The following list is comprised of blogs/podcasts with great education pearls, valid contact, and major impact on EM, with clear reference citation. This list is not all-encompassing, and if you have found other great resources, please mention them in the comments below!
The Poison Review from Dr. Leon Gussow is a site that provides “critical update and evaluation of recent scientific literature, news stories, and cultural events related to the field of medical toxicology.” The site is updated almost weekly, and literature is graded based on “skulls.” This is a must-read resource for those interested in toxicology and if you want to stay updated with the most recent literature.
The toxicology library at LIFTL is a great resource, especially while on shift. The website contains several great features. “Tox Tutes” are 10-30 minute podcasts covering toxicology basics and literature updates, “Basic Science” provides a framework for understanding of toxicology, Cases with “Tox Conundrums,” and finally “Toxicology Basics” provides the basics of management. Several lists (antidotes, toxins, venoms, and more) are provided for quick reference. LIFTL again hits it out of the park with this resource.
ToxTalk is a podcast from Matt Zuckerman. The podcast provides entertaining education in the form of cases and literature updates of common ingestions facing EM providers. Unfortunately, show notes are not provided for the podcast, but we can’t help but love the content of the podcasts.
The Oregon Poison Center provides weekly conferences that are broadcast in podcast form, providing pearls on evaluation and management of a multitude of ingestions/overdoses. The goal audience includes medical students, nurses, residents, attendings, and fellows. Podcasts also cover literature updates, with article listings provided.
This site from the American College of Medical Toxicology is extremely useful through the provision of guidelines, antidote card, and a podcast. The site contains several vital resources for EM providers everywhere, and the antidote card is particularly useful – http://www.acmt.net/_Library/Membership_Documents/ACMT_Antidote_Card_May_2015.pdf
Yes, EMin5 from Dr. Anna Pickens makes our FOAMed list again. The succinct 5 minute videos on toxicology topics provide a foundation for learners of all stages. The site currently contains content on acetaminophen, salicylates, calcium channel blockers, cyanide, digoxin, laundry detergent pod, and tricyclic antidepressants.
This is a great resource with a large number of different components. Separate pages cover core information on the toxicology history and examination, as well as complete information on separate toxins. Pages are broken into toxidromes, natural toxins, drug and alcohol issues, and chemicals. The quality of information is similar to an online encyclopedia right at your fingertips.
Thanks for reading! If you’ve found other resources, please let us know. Stay tuned for the next installment: critical care.
This is outstanding. Thanks for putting this together. There are two additional free tools I’d like to recommend from Academic Life in EM:
AIR series toxicology – https://www.aliem.com/2015/air-series-toxicology-module-2015/
Patwari videos toxicology – https://www.aliem.com/2013/patwari-academy-videos-toxicology/
This is outstanding. Thanks for putting this together. There are two additional free tools I’d like to recommend from Academic Life in EM:
AIR series toxicology – https://www.aliem.com/2015/air-series-toxicology-module-2015/
Patwari videos toxicology – https://www.aliem.com/2013/patwari-academy-videos-toxicology/