iarjmcrIARJMCRIARJMCR2709-3220https://doi.org/10.47310/iarjmcr.2022.v03i02.013Initial Management of Acute Substance Poisoning: A Critical Care PerspectiveRishuChaudharyTanujaThakurMD Anaesthesia, Civil Hospital Nurpur, Himachal Pradesh, IndiaMD Anaesthesia, Civil Hospital Palampur, Himachal Pradesh, IndiaThe Rod of Asclepius connects medical toxicology with critical care. Moses Maimonides' late-12th-century Treatise on Poison and Their Antidotes provides this evidence. Poisoned individuals should be examined and managed by intensive care physicians. Poisoning with authorised or illegal chemicals can cause a variety of symptoms. Thus, a poisoned patient's medical history and physical examination are crucial. The patient should be stabilised and supported until the offending medicine is found. Supportive care, toxin avoidance, antidotes and improved excretion are the goals. Critical care physicians often treat poisoned patients. These patients seldom suffer toxicity and only need monitoring. However, severe side effects require rapid care. First, stabilise the airway, breathing and circulation. Medical history, toxidrome and laboratory tests may help clinicians identify the toxin. Antidotes can be used after identifying the hazardous substance. The Poison Control Programme's National Poison Information Centre (NPIC) provides clinicians with 24x7 telephone access to important information. The NPIC will provide a probable diagnosis, emergency treatment recommendations, the antidote and if possible, its source after detailing the medication the patient consumed.