Treatment for Poisonings Many household products become poisons if they are used incorrectly. Knowing how to respond to accidental poisoning injuries is an important part of first aid.

Lesson Objectives In this lesson, you’ll learn to: Analyze strategies for responding to accidental injuries such as poisonings. Analyze strategies for responding to accidental injuries such as bites and stings. Analyze strategies for preventing and responding to accidental injuries such as skin irritation caused by contact with poisonous plants.

Types of Poisoning Types of Poisonous Substances Poisoning results when substances that are not meant to enter the body do so. A poison could be a substance such as: A chemical that is swallowed. A pesticide that is absorbed through the skin. Venom that is injected into the body through a sting or bite. Certain plants, foods, and gases or vapors may also be poisonous.

Types of Poisoning First Aid for Poisoning Your poison control center can tell you the correct procedure to follow in the event of a poisoning. Time is critical when a poisoning has occurred. Some poisoning situations require quick action to minimize the amount of damage to the victim or to prevent death. First, call 911 for help. Then practice the first-aid strategies for poisonings.

Types of Poisoning First Aid for Swallowed Poisons 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. Follow the instructions given to you. You may be instructed to give the victim something that dilutes the poison, or you may be directed to induce vomiting.

Types of Poisoning First Aid for Inhaled Poisons Inhaled poison is serious because of the damage that can be done to the lungs and other organs of the respiratory system. Quickly get the person to fresh air. Do not breathe in the fumes. If the victim is not breathing, start rescue breathing.

Types of Poisoning First Aid for Poison on the Skin Poison on the skin must be removed as quickly as possible to limit the 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. Rinse again with fresh water. If possible, have someone call 911 while you are rinsing the skin.

Types of Poisoning First Aid for Poison in the Eye Poison in the eye is absorbed quickly. Immediately start flushing the eye with lukewarm water and continue for 15 minutes. Have the victim blink the eye as much as possible while flooding the eye. Do not force the eye open, and do not rub the eye. Have someone call 911 while you are rinsing the eye.

Types of Poisoning Information to Provide the Poison Control Center Provide your name, location, and telephone number. Provide the name of the substance, when it was ingested, and the amount involved. If possible, give the brand name of the product and a list of the ingredients. Describe the state of the victim, as well as his or her age and weight. Be prepared to follow instructions and answer any questions.

First Aid for Poisonous Bites and Stings Snakebite Usually, the bite of a venomous snake is not fatal; however, a bite can cause severe pain, loss of function, and, in rare situations, loss of a limb.

First Aid for Poisonous Bites and Stings First Aid for Snakebite Get the victim to a hospital. Keep the victim calm and in a reclining position, if possible. Keep the bitten area at or below the level of the heart. Call 911. Follow any instructions that are given. Do not apply ice or heat. Do not give the victim aspirin or other drugs. Maintain breathing and prevent aggravation of the wound. If you are the victim of a snakebite and are alone, walk slowly and rest periodically to help minimize blood circulation.

First Aid for Poisonous Bites and Stings Insect Bites and Stings Some insects, such as the bee, hornet, yellow jacket, wasp, and fire ant, cause painful stings that can produce a strong allergic reaction. For people who are highly allergic to the venom of these insects, even one sting can cause a life-threatening condition. These people need immediate medical attention if they are stung.

First Aid for Poisonous Bites and Stings First Aid for Insect Bites and Stings Move to a safe area to avoid further harm. Try to remove the stinger by scraping it off with a firm, sharp-edged object such as a credit card or fingernail. Wash the area with mild soap and water to help prevent infection. To reduce pain and swelling, apply a cold compress. Apply hydrocortisone cream, calamine lotion, or a baking soda paste to the area several times a day until the pain is gone. If the victim was bitten by a venomous spider or scorpion and begins to have trouble breathing, call 911 immediately.

First Aid for Poisonous Plants About 85 percent of Americans will develop an allergic skin reaction if exposed to poison ivy, poison oak, or poison sumac. Symptoms include blistering, swelling, burning, and itching at the point of contact, and the person may develop fever. The first defense against poisonous plants is to recognize and avoid them.

First Aid for Poisonous Plants First Aid for Poisoning from a Plant If you come into contact with a poisonous plant, remove contaminated clothing. Flush affected areas with water, and then wash thoroughly with soap and water. Certain over-the-counter preparations can be used to wash the affected areas. If a rash develops, use calamine lotion to relieve the itching. For severe discomfort or pain, seek medical attention.

Q. Define the terms poison and venom. Quick Review Provide a short answer to the question given below. Q. Define the terms poison and venom. Click Next to view the answer.

Quick Review - Answer A. A poison is any substance—solid, liquid, or gas—that causes injury, illness, or death when introduced into the body. A venom is a poisonous substance secreted by a snake, spider, or other creature. Click Next to attempt another question.

Quick Review Provide a short answer to the question given below. Q. What information should you have ready when you call a poison control center? Click Next to view the answer.

A. When you call a poison control center, be prepared to: Quick Review - Answer A. When you call a poison control center, be prepared to: Provide your name, location, and telephone number. Provide the name of the substance, when it was ingested, and the amount involved. Give the brand name of the product and a list of the ingredients. Describe the state of the victim, as well as his or her age and weight. Click Next to attempt another question.

Quick Review Provide a short answer to the question given below. Q. Analyze and describe the strategy for responding to accidental injuries such as insect bites and stings. Click Next to view the answer.

Quick Review - Answer A. When responding to accidental injuries such as insect bites and stings: Move to a safe area to avoid further harm. Wash the area with mild soap and water to help prevent infection. To reduce pain and swelling, apply a cold compress. Apply hydrocortisone cream, calamine lotion, or a baking soda paste to the area several times a day until the pain is gone. Click Next to attempt another question.

Quick Review Analyze and provide a suitable strategy. Analyze and describe a strategy for preventing an accidental poisoning injury in your kitchen.

Types of Poisoning Types of Poisonous Substances Poisoning results when substances that are not meant to enter the body do so. A poison could be a substance such as: A chemical that is swallowed. A pesticide that is absorbed through the skin. Venom that is injected into the body through a sting or bite. Certain plants, foods, and gases or vapors may also be poisonous. A poison is any substance—solid, liquid, or gas—that causes injury, illness, or death when introduced into the body.

Types of Poisoning Types of Poisonous Substances Poisoning results when substances that are not meant to enter the body do so. A poison could be a substance such as: A chemical that is swallowed. A pesticide that is absorbed through the skin. Venom that is injected into the body through a sting or bite. Certain plants, foods, and gases or vapors may also be poisonous. Venom is a poisonous substance secreted by a snake, spider, or other creature.

Types of Poisoning First Aid for Poisoning Your poison control center can tell you the correct procedure to follow in the event of a poisoning. Time is critical when a poisoning has occurred. Some poisoning situations require quick action to minimize the amount of damage to the victim or to prevent death. First, call 911 for help. Then practice the first-aid strategies for poisonings. A poison control center is a 24-hour hotline that provides emergency medical advice on treating poisoning victims.