Poisoning

1. Poisoning Prepared by Muhammad Hashim

2. Poisoning • Two kinds of poisoning have been identified by the National Safety Council • Solids and liquids • Gases and vapors • Poison - Any substance that negatively affects body tissues and organ functioning • Poisons may have: • Caustic and/or Toxic effect

3. Poisoning • Can happen to any individual regardless of age • Poison is any substance that causes a harmful reaction when applied or ingested • Ways poisoning occurs • Swallowing various substances • Inhaling poisonous gases • Injecting substances • Contacting the skin with poison

4. Poisoning • Immediate action is needed for any poisoning victim • First aid varies depending on type of poison, injury involved and the method of contact • Immediate care is needed before poison is absorbed into the body • Call poison control center (PCC) or emergency medical services (EMS) immediately

5. Signs of Swallowed Poisoning • Abdominal pain and cramping • Nausea or vomiting • Diarrhea • Burns, stains, odor near or in mouth • Drowsiness or unconsciousness • Poison containers

6. First Aid for Swallowed Poisons 1. Determine critical information • Age and size of victim • What was the poison? • How much was taken? • When was it swallowed? 2. If poison is corrosive or caustic, dilute by having victim drink water or milk

7. Poisoning • First aid for unconscious victim who swallowed poison • Check for breathing and provide artificial respiration if needed • Obtain medical help as soon as possible • Position breathing victim on side so fluids can drain from the mouth

8. Poisoning • Methods to induce vomiting in victim who swallowed poison • Vomiting induced is PCC recommends or if medical help is not available • Syrup of ipecac can be given to induce vomiting • Medication to induce vomiting that is available in most drug stores • Follow dosage recommended on bottle • Followed by glasses of water • Tickle back of victim’s throat • Drink warm salt water

9. Poisoning • Vomiting must NOT be induced in the following situations • Unconscious victims • Victims who swallowed an acid or alkali • Victims who swallowed petroleum products • Victims who are convulsing • Victims with burns on lips or mouth

10. Poisoning • Since vomiting removes only about one-half of the poison, the PCC may recommend counteracting the remaining poison with activated charcoal • Available in most drug stores • Helps absorb any remaining poison • Follow directions on bottle for correct dosage

11. Inhalation • Due mostly from carbon monoxide poisoning • Carbon monoxide a product of incomplete combustion from furnaces, gas heaters, kerosene heaters, gas, oil, etc. • COT - colorless, odorless and tasteless • Deadly - Carbon monoxide is more reactive with hemoglobin in red blood cells than oxygen

12. Effects of Carbon Monoxide poisoning and First Aid • Fatigue, nausea, headache • Similar to flu symptoms, without the fever • Discoloration of skin • Vomiting • Cessation of breathing

13. Poisoning • First aid for poisoning by inhalation of dangerous gases (ex. Carbon monoxide) • Immediately remove victim from the area before treatment • Take a deep breath of fresh air before entering area • Do not breathe gas while removing victim from area • When victim is in safe area, check for breathing • Provide artificial respiration if needed • Obtain medical help immediately – death can occur quickly

14. Poisoning • First aid for poisoning by contact with skin • Wash with large amounts of water to dilute substance and remove it from the skin • Remove any clothing or jewelry that contains substance • Call PCC or EMS for additional information • Obtain medical help as soon as possible for burns or injuries resulting from contact with the poison

15. Poisoning • First aid for contact with poisonous plants • Examples include poison ivy, oak or sumac • Can cause a serious skin reaction • Wash the area thoroughly with soap and water • Remove any contaminated clothing • If a rash or weeping sores develop, lotions such as Calamine or Caladryl, or a paste made from baking soda and water may help relieve the discomfort • If the condition is severe and affects large areas of the body or face, obtain medical help

16. Poisoning • First aid for poisoning due to injection • Can be caused by insect bites, stings or snakebites • If arm or leg is affected, position affected area below level of the heart • Insect bite or sting • Remove any embedded stinger with tweezer or by scraping with object like credit card • Wash area well with soap and water • Apply sterile dressing • Apply cold pack to reduce swelling

17. Poisoning • Snakebite • Wash the wound and immobilize the injured area • Position wound area lower than the heart if possible • Do not cut the wound or apply a tourniquet • Monitor breathing and give artificial respiration if necessary • Obtain medical help as soon as possible

18. Poisoning • Watch for allergic reaction in all victims • Signs and symptoms • Redness and swelling at site • Itching, hives and pain • Swelling of the throat • Difficult or labored breathing • Dizziness or change in level of consciousness • Maintain respirations • Obtain medical help as quickly as possible

19. Poisoning • Other principles of care • Observe for signs of shock and treat for shock if needed • Try to remain calm and confident while providing care • Reassure the victim as needed • Act quickly, but in an organized, efficient manner

20. Poison proofing your home • Store household products and medicines out of reach and out of sight of children, preferably in a locked storage area • Store medicines separate from other household products and keep in original containers • All products should be labeled

21. Poison-proofing Your Home • Avoid taking medicine in the presence of children • Refer to medicines by their proper names, not “candy” • Clean out medicine cabinet periodically - flush old medications down toilet

22. Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Prevention • Keep auto exhaust system maintained • Have heating equipment in home (furnaces) serviced or inspected at least once a year • Ventilation - if working indoors with any equipment that can produce carbon monoxide • Follow instructions with space heaters • Keep cars in good working order • Don’t run the car while standing still unless there is good air circulation

23. THANK YOU