ABSTRACT Objective Poisoning‐related cardiac arrests have reported survival rates as low as 3%. These events are often unwitnessed, occur in private settings, and are less likely to receive bystander cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Non‐shockable rhythms are frequently observed. However, detailed understanding of aetiologies and clinical characteristics remains limited. Methods We performed a retrospective review of cardiac arrest calls to a state‐based poisons information centre between 2020 and 2023. Data was extracted into a preformatted table and cross‐referenced with patient's electronic medical records. Two extractors were used. Results A total of 53 cases were included. The median age was 36 years (IQR 22–51; range 15–66), with 29 (54%) male patients. Most arrests occurred in the community ( n = 37, 70%). Hypoxia was the most common suspected single aetiology ( n = 24), while cardiac toxins, through various mechanisms, accounted for 29 cases (55%). Non‐shockable rhythms were present in 36 patients (68%). Despite this, 38 patients (71%) survived to hospital discharge, including 23 (64%) with non‐shockable rhythms. Conclusion In this study, poisoning‐related cardiac arrest was associated with a high survival rate, even in cases with non‐shockable rhythms. Hypoxia and direct cardiac toxicity were identified as the primary aetiologies in many patients.
Chandru et al. (Mon,) studied this question.