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 ( ), 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 Snakes Signals Bite mark and Pain Care  Pit Vipers (rattlesnakes, Copperhead, Cottonmouth) Call 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 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