THE Australian health system is making headlines worldwide after doctors in Queensland saved the life of a poisoned Italian tourist by giving him large amounts of vodka.
The 24-year-old presented at Mackay Base Hospital and was diagnosed as having ingested a large quantity of ethylene glycol - also known as antifreeze.
The treatment was a pure alcohol drip to inhibit the toxic effects of the poison, but the hospital's pharmaceutical-grade alcohol quickly ran out.
"We quickly used all the available vials of 100% alcohol and decided the next best way to get alcohol into the man's system was by feeding him spirits through a nasogastric tube," said the treating physician at the hospital, Dr Pascal Gelperowicz.
The patient was drip-fed about three standard drinks an hour for three days in the intensive care unit, he added.
"The hospital's administrators were also very understanding when we explained our reasons for buying a case of vodka," the doctor said.
The incident took place about two months ago but details have only just come to light.
The patient recovered successfully - although reports don't say whether he's still suffering from a big hangover.
The above article was sent to subscribers in Pharmacy Daily's issue from 06 Mar 17
To see the full newsletter, see the embedded issue below or CLICK HERE to download Pharmacy Daily from 06 Mar 17