Identifikation des auslösenden Agens bei unklarer Bewusstlosigkeit mehrerer Patienten

Substance abuse in all combinations imaginable repeatedly poses a challenge to the rescue team. Rapid identification of substances allows not only specific measures in addition to a mere symptomatic therapy, but also adequate risk evaluation. In the case described with an unusual cooperation of emergency medical services and fire department, the use of gas chromatography and mass spectrometry allowed better judgment of the clinical course. Knowledge of the effects of the substance consumed allowed safe discharge of five patients who were initially admitted with changes in the state of awareness up to unconsciousness.