Airway and breathing

Following beta-blocker poisoning, intubate and ventilate the patient urgently if they have refractory cardiovascular instability or their level of consciousness compromises the airway or breathing.

The vagal response to intubation can precipitate profound bradycardia. Give atropine before intubation to block the vagal response, unless the patient is in cardiac arrest. Use:

atropine 0.6 mg (child: 0.02 mg/kg up to 0.6 mg) intravenously, as a single dose. beta-blocker poisoning - pre-intubation atropine