The Role of Activated Charcoal in Prehospital Care

BACKGROUND: Administration of a single-dose activated charcoal (SDAC) is an effective method used for gastric decontamination and for other types of poisoning and overdose. This is only true when given within the first hour of poison ingestion as the effectivity of SDAC reduces over time. In addition, generally, not all patients are able to avail treatment within the specified period. Hence, multi-dose activated charcoal is regarded as a solution to a delayed process, although, no proof outweighs the use of SDAC. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to review and assess the adequacy of the past and current use of AC. The author also aimed to offer recommendations believed to be the best method to consider for prehospital care. METHODS: The author conducted 6,337 online literature searches for this review, wherein seven papers met eligibility criteria for inclusion and analysis. RESULTS: In this review, routine administration of AC in poisoning was found not related to the duration of hospital stay nor any other subsequent outcomes following poison ingestion. Further, this review did not establish that administration of AC could improve patient’s clinical outcome. Further research and clinical trials is required to determine the efficacy of this therapy to appropriate patients in the prehospital setting. CONCLUSION: Activated charcoal can be used to treat highly acute to life-threatening poisoning if it is administered within the first hour of ingestion. Further studies would be necessary to investigate if this would affect clinical outcome..