Airway and breathing

Note: Give atropine before intubation in organophosphate or carbamate poisoning.

Early airway intervention and ventilatory support are essential for severe organophosphate or carbamate poisoning. Intubate and ventilate patients if 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. organophosphate and carbamate poisoning - pre-intubation atropine

If patients have neuromuscular paralysis, ventilation is usually required for as long as 2 to 3 weeks.