Nicholas A. Edwards

Dancing with "Death": P-Methoxyamphetamine Overdose and Its Acute Management

Para-methoxyamphetamine (PMA) is a substituted synthetic amphetamine used in the recreational drug scene. It is unusual because of the high incidence of significant morbidity and mortality in overdose. We report a case of PMA overdose in South Australia, and review our experience with the drug. We review the literature on PMA overdose and offer suggestions on the management of overdose with this dangerous drug.

Tenecteplase for massive pulmonary embolus.

The treatment of massive pulmonary embolus remains controversial. We describe the first report of the successful use of the thrombolytic agent, tenecteplase, in treating a hypotensive elderly patient with a saddle embolus. A brief review of the current literature concerning thrombolysis for massive pulmonary embolus is given.

Truth hurts--hard lessons from Australia's largest mass casualty exercise with contaminated patients

In response to the increasing threat of a mass casualty incident involving chemical, biological or radiological agents, and concern over the preparedness of our hospital system to cope with patients from such an incident, we conducted the largest hospital‐based field exercise involving contaminated patients that has been held in Australia. In the present paper, we outline the background to, and methodology of, Exercise Supreme Truth, and the efforts made to increase its realism. We focus our discussion on three issues highlighted by the exercise, which we believe have enormous implications for the development of hospital chemical, biological or radiological plans and the likelihood of their success – hospital security, crowd control and decontamination.

Medical preparation for terrorism in Australia. Is luck running out for "the lucky country?

Recent world events have forced Australia to re-examine its role on the world stage and its susceptibility to terrorist attacks. The authors examine the brief historical exposure of Australia to the phenomenon of terrorism, and review the geopolitical climate and features that may render it more susceptible to attack in the future. Australias emergency management structure is outlined, and its current state of medical preparedness for a terrorist incident is critically reviewed.

Death by oral ingestion of iodine

We report the clinical and toxicological features of a case of fatal iodine ingestion, and summarize the physiology, clinical characteristics and management of iodine ingestion. Physicians are likely to have little experience in managing such patients, particularly with the advent of less toxic preparations, and therefore need ready access to management guidelines. This case also highlights the potential for substances to retain their toxicity over long periods of time.