Emergency medicine and toxicology
Triage, resuscitation, anaphylaxis, poisoning and Australian envenomation. Envenomation and toxicology are high-yield because they are uniquely Australian.
High-yield points
Australasian Triage Scale: category 1 immediate, 2 within 10 minutes, 3 within 30, 4 within 60, 5 within 120.
Basic life support follows ANZCOR DRSABCD: Danger, Response, Send for help, Airway, Breathing, CPR, Defibrillation.
Anaphylaxis: IM adrenaline 0.01 mg/kg (max 0.5 mg) into the anterolateral thigh, repeat every 5 minutes as needed; lie the patient flat.
Snake bite: pressure immobilisation bandage and splint, do not wash the bite, serial bloods (coagulation, CK) and antivenom if envenomed.
Funnel-web spider bite: pressure immobilisation and antivenom; redback spider: no pressure bandage, symptomatic pain relief.
Box jellyfish sting (tropical waters): douse with vinegar, CPR if needed, antivenom available.
Paracetamol overdose: acetylcysteine guided by the Australian nomogram.
Poisons Information Centre 13 11 26 is available 24/7 for advice.
India vs Australia
Where the answer the AMC marks correct differs from what’s usually taught in Indian MBBS.
| Aspect | India (MBBS)What you learn in MBBS | Australia (AMC)What the exam marks as correct |
|---|---|---|
| Emergency number | 108 or 112. | 000 (112 also works from mobiles). |
| Snakebite first aid | Big four snakes and polyvalent ASV; tourniquets or cutting the bite are still seen. | Pressure immobilisation bandage and splint, keep still, don't wash the bite. Monitor for coagulopathy; give antivenom if envenomed. |
| Common poisonings | Organophosphates, aluminium phosphide and paraquat. | Paracetamol, benzodiazepines and antidepressants. Use the Australian paracetamol guideline and Poisons Information 13 11 26. |
| Triage | Varies by hospital. | Australasian Triage Scale, categories 1 to 5, each with a target time to be seen. |
Emergency number
India (MBBS)
108 or 112.
Australia (AMC): what the exam expects
000 (112 also works from mobiles).
Snakebite first aid
India (MBBS)
Big four snakes and polyvalent ASV; tourniquets or cutting the bite are still seen.
Australia (AMC): what the exam expects
Pressure immobilisation bandage and splint, keep still, don't wash the bite. Monitor for coagulopathy; give antivenom if envenomed.
Common poisonings
India (MBBS)
Organophosphates, aluminium phosphide and paraquat.
Australia (AMC): what the exam expects
Paracetamol, benzodiazepines and antidepressants. Use the Australian paracetamol guideline and Poisons Information 13 11 26.
Triage
India (MBBS)
Varies by hospital.
Australia (AMC): what the exam expects
Australasian Triage Scale, categories 1 to 5, each with a target time to be seen.
The Australian context
Emergency number is 000 (112 also works from mobiles). Envenomation from snakes, spiders and marine creatures has no Indian equivalent in exam terms; know the pressure immobilisation technique cold. Indian first aid habits like tourniquets or cutting the bite are harmful and not used.