Chapter 10

Poisoning

Swallowed Poisons

Poisons that can be swallowed Some of the can be poisons can be harmful in small

amounts some in large amounts, some can be when they are mixed, some by themselves can not be harmful at all Foods- mushrooms and shellfish Sleeping pills Tranquilizers Alcohol Medications- aspirin Household items- cleaning products and pesticides Plants

Inhaled Poisons

Person can be poisoned by breathing in toxic fumes Gases

Carbon monoxide engine in a car Wells and sewer

Fumes Household products

Glues and paints Drugs

Crack and cocaine

Absorbed and Injected Poisons Absorbed

Come through the skin Plants- poison ivy, poison oak, poison sumac Fertilizers and pesticides

Injected Enter the body

Bites and stings of insects Spiders, ticks Marine life, snakes, other animals Drugs or medications injected w/ a needle

Checking the scene for Poisoning Be aware of

Unusual odors Flames Smoke Open or spilled containers An open medicine cabinet

Also notice the following signals Nausea and vomiting Diarrhea Chest or abdominal pain Trouble breathing

General Care for Poisoning

Remove the person from the source of poison if the scene is dangerous

Check the person’s level of consciousness, breathing and other signs of life

Care for any life-threatening conditions If the person is conscious, ask questions to get

more information Call the national Poison Control Center (800-222-

1222), 9-1-1 or the local emergency number Follow the directions of the Poison Control Center or

the emergency medical services (EMS) call taker

Special Care Considerations

Toxic Fumes If it is safe, try to get the person to fresh air,

anyone who inhales toxic fumes needs fresh air Wet and Dry Chemicals

wet- flush the affected are with large amounts of cool water, have some one call 9-1-1, keep flushing till EMS arrives

Dry- brush off with a gloved hand, wash thoroughly with cool water , try not to touch any other body parts

Special Care Considerations

Insects Stings are painful, but are rarely fatal, some have

allergic reaction to an insect sting, this may result in a breathing emergency

If someone is stung Remove the stinger Wash the site with soap and water Cover the site and keep it clean Apply a cold pack to the area to reduce pain and

swelling Watch the person for signals of an allergic reaction.

Special Care Considerations

Scorpions and Spiders Signals

Bites mark. Swelling Pain Trouble breathing

Care Wash wound Apply cold pack Get medical care to

receive antivenin Call 9-1-, if necessary

Special Care Considerations

SnakesSignals

Bite mark and PainCare Pit Vipers (rattlesnakes,

Copperhead, Cottonmouth) Call 9-1-1 Wash Wound Keep bitten part still, and

lower than the heart Elapid Snakes (coral

Snakes) Same as above except Apply an elastic roller

bandage

Special Care Considerations

Animals Signals

Bite mark and Bleeding Care

If bleeding is minor-wash wound Control Bleeding Apply triple antibiotic ointment Get medical attention if you suspect of rabies or

bleeding severely Call local emergency number or contact animal control

Special Care Considerations

Marine Life Painful and can also make you sick

Signals Possible marks, pain, Swelling, Allergic reactions

Care Jelly fish – soak area in vinegar Stingray- soak area in non- scalding hot water

until pain goes away. Clean and bandage wound Call 9-1-1 or local emergency number, if

necessary

Poisonous Plants

Poison Ivy, Poison Oak, Poison Sumac You can avoid getting these poisons by;

Remove exposed clothing and wash exposed area thoroughly with soap and water as soon as possible after contact

Put paste or baking soda and water on the area several times a day if a rash or weeping sore has already begun to develop, Calamine lotion and antihistamines

See health care provider if the conditions worsens

Poisonous Plants

Poison Ivy

Poison Sumac

Poison Oak

Lyme Disease

Illness that people get from the bite of an infected tick Deer ticks are the most common to carry it

Signal First signs may appear a few days or weeks after the bite A small red rash starts, can get big and look like a bulls eye Fever, headache, weakness in joints and muscles, flu

symptoms Lyme disease can get worse if not treated

Lyme Disease

Preventing Always check for ticks immediately after outdoor activities Wash all clothing Check pets they can carry ticks in from outside

Removing a tick Pull steadily and firmly and slowly Use tweezers as close to skin as possible Use gloves or something to protect your fingers, if you don’t

wash your hands immediately after Once it is removed wash area immediately, and apply triple

antibiotic ointment to the area to prevent infection If you can’t remove the tick or a part of it stays in your skin

you need to see a medical professional

How to prevent Poisoning

Always supervise children closely, in kitchens, bathrooms, garages, etc.

Keep all medications out of reach of children Install special clamps to cabinets Read all labels Use poison symbols to identify dangerous

substances Use chemicals only in well ventilated areas