We present this case to increase the awareness of EMS providers and medical directors with regards to the risk of sodium nitrite ingestion as a method of suicide and its unique toxicological features as well as essential treatment considerations.
With the rapid spread of information over the Internet and social media, combined with a steadily increasing rate of suicide, pre hospital providers may encounter a patient poisoned by sodium nitrite.
Websites exist that discuss different methods of suicide. Available information includes: how to perform the chosen suicide, what to expect during the act, success stories in the news, and where to buy the suicide agent.
