Intensive care utilisation following attempted suicide through self-poisoning.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate intensive care utilisation following attempted suicide through self-poisoning. DESIGN: Retrospective analysis of clinical records. SETTING: Intensive Care Unit, Teaching Hospital, Peradeniya. PATIENTS All patients admitted over the period 1991-1995. RESULTS: 292 patients were admitted after a suicide attempt by ingestion of a poisonous substance or drug in overdose. 52% were mechanically ventilated. The mean stay was 6 days. Daily intensive care cost averaged Rs. 8000 for a ventilated patient. Fifty three patients died. The 292 patients constituted 10.2% of the total admissions to the unit. CONCLUSIONS: Suicide as a medical emergency imposes pressure on the limited resources and facilities available in intensive care units. Concrete preventive measures are mandatory to prevent loss of life and health care resources.