J Emerg Med
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Activated charcoal (AC) is most effective when administered soon after the ingestion of certain substances. Delays are recognized to occur at times in the administration of AC after arrival of poisoned patients in the emergency department (ED). In addition, it has been recognized that these delays may be avoided if AC administration is begun in selected patients by paramedics while en route to the ED. ⋯ Tolerance was similar among the groups. The time to initiate AC administration may be significantly shortened when begun by prehospital personnel. All EMS should consider including AC in protocols addressing the prehospital management of certain poisoned patients.
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Seizures are the most common serious complication of flumazenil usage in adults. We report a prolonged seizure in an 11-month-old child that occurred immediately after the administration of 0.3 mg of flumazenil. Precautions recommended for the administration of flumazenil in adults should also be used in pediatric patients.