Abstract
Records of 360 poisoning patients were evolved with observation by
trained experts for 6 months on a structured taxonomy sheet (STS) on
first entry to a selected poisoning ward. Observations made were about
the patients’ appearance, facial expressions, vocal signs, social
interaction and other observable signs. It was assumed that (STS) could
help to distinguish between self, accidental and pretended poisoning
behaviors as a quick measure as compared with existing hospital
emergency diagnosis procedures. (STS) records were compared with
emergency diagnosis. Comparison revealed (STS) capacity to report
otherness in three poisoning types with workable similarity. Importance
of observational methods emerged in high emergency for diagnosis/
assessment that could be utilized in areas having less advanced
facilities for diagnosis. Methodology suitability emerged as objective
diagnosis/ assessment possibility in other kinds of emergency situations
in less developed areas. More cross cultural comparison would highlight
utility in developing cultures?