[Initial diagnosis and treatment for poisoning]

Intoxication is a common source of morbidity and mortality in adults as well as children. It accounts for 5-10 % of all emergency calls and emergency department visits. The screening of patients with altered consciousness for signs of intoxication is therefore mandatory. The diagnostics and treatment of intoxicated patients have not changed significantly over the past few years. Supportive care continues to be the most important aspect of treatment and should precede specific antitoxin treatments.