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Toxic Code Escape Room: Interactive Toxicology Training

Rocío GARCÍA-GUTIÉRREZ GÓMEZ, Delia HERRANZ BENITO, Ana PERAL MARTÍN, Elena KLUSOVA NOGUINÁ, Sara CORREIA, Umber KHAN, Miriam REY SEOANE, Catalina Andreea POPESCU, Selma KAYA and Car BALTAZAR

Toxicological emergencies require rapid reasoning, familiarity with toxidromes and antidotes, and the ability to make decisions under pressure. Traditional lectures often fail to capture the dynamic nature of these situations. Toxin Code adapts the original escape-room concept into an individual, digital, one-hour workshop designed to strengthen clinical decision-making through gamification. Instead of physical materials, participants solve digital challenges that mimic real toxicology scenarios in an accessible and engaging format.-To improve participants’ ability to recognize common and severe toxic agents based on clinical presentations. -To reinforce knowledge of key antidotes and indications for their use. -To provide a structured approach to assessing suspected poisonings. -To promote rapid decision-making and critical thinking in simulated emergencies.The workshop uses digital puzzles, progressive case disclosure, and guided reasoning tools. 0–5 min – Introduction: Brief presentation of a fictional poisoning scenario and explanation of the interactive format. 5–20 min – Phase 1. Toxic Word Search: Participants complete an online word search containing names of toxins and antidotes. This primes recognition of terminology and introduces the spectrum of possible agents. 20–35 min – Phase 2. Digital Antidote Matching Challenge: Participants match toxic substances with their corresponding antidotes using virtual cards. Immediate feedback and clues help consolidate pharmacological associations. 35–55 min – Phase 3. Stepwise Clinical Case: A structured case is revealed in stages (symptoms, vital signs, labs, imaging). Participants use provided digital tables and decision pathways to identify the most likely toxin and determine the correct treatment. 55–60 min – Debriefing: Brief review of reasoning steps, key learning points, and common diagnostic pitfalls.Participants will gain improved recognition of toxidromes, greater confidence selecting appropriate antidotes, and a practical diagnostic framework applicable to real-life clinical encounters. They will also develop faster analytical skills under time constraints.Toxin Code demonstrates how gamification can enhance the teaching of toxicology by transforming complex clinical reasoning into an immersive, efficient, and memorable learning experience.