Chapter 28 Lesson 4

1. Chapter 28 Lesson 4 Treatment for Poisonings

2. You’ll learn to… • Analyze strategies for responding to poisonings. • Analyze strategies for responding to bites and stings. • Analyze strategies for preventing and responding to skin irritation caused by contact with poisonous plants.

3. Treatment for Poisonings • Knowing how to respond to poisoning emergencies is an important part of first aid. • A poison is any substance—solid, liquid, or gas that causes injury, illness, or death when introduced into the body. • Approximately 90% of poisonings occur in the room, and more than half of these poisonings involve children under the age of six. • Time is critical when a poisoning has occurred, first call 911 for help.

4. Types of Poisoning • The substance could be a chemical that is swallowed, a pesticide that is absorbed through the skin, or … • Venoma poisonous substances secreted by a snake, spider, or other creature, that is injected into the body through a sting or a bite. • Certain foods and plants can be poisonous • Gases and vapors may also be poisonous (carbon monoxide, exhaust fumes, and other fumes from stoves)

5. Types of Poisoning continued… • Your poison control center can tell you the correct procedure to follow in the event of a poisoning. • A poison control centeris a 24-hour hot line that provides emergency medical advice on treating poisoning victims. • Poison can enter the body in four ways: • Ingestion • Inhalation • Absorption • Injection

6. First Aid for Poisoning follow these first-aid tips. • Swallowed poisons vary in their first-aid treatment because the substances that can be swallowed affect the body differently. • Quickly try to determine what was swallowed and call your poison control center. • You may be instructed to give the victim something to dilute the poison or induce vomiting.

7. First Aid for Inhaled poisons • Inhalation is serious because of the damage that can be done to the lungs and other organs. • Quickly get the person to fresh air. • Do not breathe the fumes. • If victim is not breathing, begin rescue breathing

8. First Aid for poison on the skin • It must be removed quickly to limit exposure to the body. • Remove contaminated clothing • Rinse the skin continuously with water for 15 minutes • Then rinse the skin with mild soap and water and rinse again. • If possible, have someone call 911 while you are rinsing the skin.

9. First Aid for poison in the eye • Immediately start flushing with water for 15 minutes. • Have the victim blink the eye as much as possible while flooding the eye. • Have someone call 911 while you are rinsing the eye.

10. When you call the poison control center • Be prepared to give your name, location, & phone number • Provide name of substance, when and how much was ingested. • Describe the state of the victim, as well as age and weight. • Be prepared to follow instructions and answer any questions.

11. First Aid for Poisonous Bites & Stings • Insect and animal stings and bites are among the most common sources of injected poisonings. • Insects --Spiders • Ticks --Scorpions • Snakes --marine life • And other animals

12. Snake Bite • Usually the bite of a venomous snake is not fatal • A bite can cause severe pain, loss of function and in rare situations, loss of a limb.

13. Snake Bite continued… • Get the victim to the hospital. Keep the victim calm and in the reclining position. • Keep bitten area at/below the heart. Immobilize the area. • Call 911 and follow instructions given. • Do not apply ice or heat. Also do not give aspirin or other drugs. • Maintain breathing and prevent aggravation of the wound.

14. Insect Bites & Stings • Some insects, such as bee, hornet, yellow jacket, wasp and fire ants, cause painful stings that can produce a strong allergic reaction. • Those highly allergic can cause a life-threatening condition. • These people need immediate medical attention

15. First Aid for Insect Bites & Stings • Move to a safe area to avoid further harm. • Try to remove the stinger by scraping it off. • Wash the area with mild soap and water to help prevent infection. • To reduce pain & swelling, apply a cold compress. • Apply hydrocortisone cream, calamine lotion, or a baking soda paste to the area.

16. First Aid for Insect Bites & Stings continued… • If the victim was bitten by a venomous spider or scorpion and begins to have trouble breathing or shows signs of a sever reaction, call 911 immediately.

17. First Aid for Poisonous Plants • Allergic skin reaction from poison ivy, poison oak or poison sumac. • Symptoms include blistering, swelling, burning and itching and the person may develop fever. • The first defense is to recognize and avoid these plants.

18. First Aid for Poisonous Plants continued… • If you come in contact, remove contaminated clothing. • Flush affected areas with water then wash with soap and water. If a rash develops, use calamine lotion to relieve itching. • For severe discomfort or pain, seek medical attention.

19. Chapter 28 Lesson 4 Review Questions • Define the terms poison and venom. • Poisons can enter the body 4 ways. Name them and give examples for each one. • What information should you have ready when you call a poison control center? • Analyze and describe a strategy for preventing an accidental poisoning in your kitchen.