High Frequency Jet Ventilation and Aspirin Poisoning

The authors describe the treatment of a 55-year-old male who attempted suicide by drug overdose. High frequency jet ventilation was instituted after alkaline diuresis & conventional low frequency, high volume ventilation contributed to a fall in blood pressure & a resultant state of respiratory acidosis. The blood pressure then rose & respiratory acidosis rapidly disappeared. It was then safe to proceed with charcoal naemoperfusion & the patient recovered over the next 4 days.