The PIRATE mnemonic: providing a structured approach in the care for intoxicated patients at the emergency department
Dublin Core
Title
The PIRATE mnemonic: providing a structured approach in the care for intoxicated patients at the emergency department
Subject
Intoxications, Acute toxicology, Emergency department, Mnemonic
Description
Background Expertise in toxicology is essential for acute care providers, as intoxicated patients frequently present
to Emergency Departments. These patients can be challenging for care providers because they often present with
uncertain substance exposure and unknown dose and timing of these exposures.
Methods The Dutch Society of Emergency Physicians has developed an mnemonic to support treating physicians in
a structured approach for the management of (undifferentiated) intoxicated patients.
Results The PIRATE mnemonic was developed, which includes the following aspects and sequence of care for the
intoxicated patient: primary survey, investigation & identification, risk assessment, ADME (comprising pharmacokinetic
therapeutic targets: absorption, distribution, metabolism, elimination), therapy and evaluation.
Conclusion The toxicology section of the Dutch Society of Emergency Physicians developed the PIRATE mnemonic
to provide a structured approach in the management of patients presenting with acute intoxications to Emergency
Departments. It summarizes the essential steps and priorities required in the care of intoxicated patients. Further, it
provides a common strategy for all specialties involved in the care of the acutely intoxicated patient, contributing to
developing greater competence in poisoning management.
Keywords Intoxications, Acute toxicology, Emergency department, Mnemonic
to Emergency Departments. These patients can be challenging for care providers because they often present with
uncertain substance exposure and unknown dose and timing of these exposures.
Methods The Dutch Society of Emergency Physicians has developed an mnemonic to support treating physicians in
a structured approach for the management of (undifferentiated) intoxicated patients.
Results The PIRATE mnemonic was developed, which includes the following aspects and sequence of care for the
intoxicated patient: primary survey, investigation & identification, risk assessment, ADME (comprising pharmacokinetic
therapeutic targets: absorption, distribution, metabolism, elimination), therapy and evaluation.
Conclusion The toxicology section of the Dutch Society of Emergency Physicians developed the PIRATE mnemonic
to provide a structured approach in the management of patients presenting with acute intoxications to Emergency
Departments. It summarizes the essential steps and priorities required in the care of intoxicated patients. Further, it
provides a common strategy for all specialties involved in the care of the acutely intoxicated patient, contributing to
developing greater competence in poisoning management.
Keywords Intoxications, Acute toxicology, Emergency department, Mnemonic
Creator
Nicole Kraaijvanger1,4*, Wouter Raven1,4, Trudy van Dijken2,4 and Femke Gresnigt3,4,5
Source
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12245-024-00606-4
Date
2024
Contributor
Peri Irawan
Format
pdf
Language
english
Type
text
Files
Collection
Citation
Nicole Kraaijvanger1,4*, Wouter Raven1,4, Trudy van Dijken2,4 and Femke Gresnigt3,4,5, “The PIRATE mnemonic: providing a structured approach in the care for intoxicated patients at the emergency department,” Repository Horizon University Indonesia, accessed April 11, 2026, https://repository.horizon.ac.id/items/show/12297.