Suizidale intravenöse Intoxikation mit Parathion (E605®)@@@Intravenous parathion intoxication with suicidal intention – a case report

During the treatment of an unconscious emergency patient an unusual causality was determined: the patient had an organophosphate (parathion) intravenously injected with suicidal intention.Organophosphates are used in plant protectives and insecticides. On January 8 2002 one of the most poisonous organophosphates, parathion (E605 (R)), lost its license in Europe. There is an absolute restriction on the trade and use of this substance in the European Union. Nevertheless, it must be assumed that considerable amounts of this substance are still in private possession (e.g. for gardening, agriculture, etc.).Organophosphates are also used in chemical weapons (e.g. sarin, soman, tabun and VX). In some cases (e.g. terror attack), emergency medical services personal could come into contact with this weapon.