If the medical practitioner is in doubt on any point,
he should obtain technical assistance from someone who has paid
attention to the subject.
In a case of attempted suicide by poisoning, is it the duty of the
doctor to inform the police? He would be unwise to do so. He had much
better stick to his own business, and not act as an amateur detective.
VII.--TREATMENT OF POISONING
The modes of treatment may be ranged under three heads: (1) To eliminate
the poison; (2) to antagonize its action; (3) to avert the tendency to
death.
1. The first indication is met by the administration of emetics, to
produce vomiting, or by the application of the stomach-tube. The best
emetic is that which is at hand. If there is a choice, give apomorphine
hypodermically. The dose for an adult is 10 minims. It may be given in
the form of the injection of the Pharmacopoeia, or preferably as a
tablet dissolved in water. Apomorphine is not allied in physiological
action to morphine, and may be given in cases of narcotic poisoning.
Sulphate of zinc, salt-and-water, ipecacuanha, and mustard, are all
useful as emetics. Tickling the fauces with a feather may excite
vomiting.
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