Types of poisons
Swallowed – through mouth, signs: nausea, abdominal cramps, diarrhea, vomiting, discoloration on lips, burn in or around the mouth, bad breath
- Do not dilute a poison that has been swallowed unless told to do so by the Poison Information Centre. Try to wipe poison from face and mouth.
- Do not induce vomiting unless told so by the PIC as it can cause more damage.
Inhaled – through lungs, signs: breathing problems, coughing, chest pain, headache, dizziness (from CO carbon monoxide) even cardiac arrest.
Absorbed – through skin and mucous membranes, signs: reddening of the skin, blisters, swelling and burns (i.e. poison ivy)
First aid:
1. Begin ESM, scene survey
2. Primary survey
3. Flush affected area with a lot of water, brush off if poison is a powder
4. Remove any clothing that has been in contact, try not to touch any infected area, wear gloves.
5. Wash affected skin with soap and water
6. Give care until medical help arrives.
Injected – through needle or needle-like device (snake fangs), signs: irritate the point of entry
First aid for poisoning
1. Begin ESM, do a scene survey, gather any information about the suspected poison, assess casualty’s responsiveness.
• If person is responsive, call the Poison Information Centre or hospital
• If non responsive call medical help right away
2. Do a primary survey. Give AR if breathing stops, make sure there is not poison around the mouth. If there is wipe it off or use mouth to nose method or a barrier device such as a face shield
3. Place casualty into the recovery position
4. Continue to give care until help arrives.
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IMPORTANT NOTICE:
The information contained in this document has been compiled from sources believed to be reliable at the time and is presented here as a study aid and for general information use only. This information is not intended to replace or supercede the information or procedures outlined in your first aid textbook, other officially issued study materials or government published acts or legislative documents.
Whilst every effort has been made to ensure that the information is accurate at the time of publication, the authors are not responsible for any loss, liability, damage or injury that may be suffered or incurred by any person in connection with the information contained on this site, or by anyone who receives first aid treatment from a reader or user of this information. |
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