What is the primary purpose of using activated charcoal in medical emergencies?

The primary purpose of using activated charcoal in medical emergencies is to absorb toxins. Activated charcoal is highly porous and has a large surface area, which allows it to bind effectively with many types of chemicals, including various drugs and poisons in the gastrointestinal tract. When ingested after a poisoning incident, activated charcoal prevents these substances from being absorbed into the bloodstream, thereby mitigating the toxic effects on the body. This function is particularly vital in emergency medicine, where timely intervention can be crucial for patient outcomes.

The properties of activated charcoal make it an effective treatment option for certain types of overdoses and poisonings, providing a rapid and non-invasive method to reduce the absorption of harmful substances.