POISON
what is a poison?;
toxic substance: a substance that causes illness, injury, or death if
taken into the body or produced within the body.
TYPES OF POISON
Absorbed Poison
Absorbed poisons are taken into the
body through unbroken skin. Absorbed poisons are especially dangerous as they
may not only cause local damage, but they can enter the bloodstream and cause
widespread damage. It is important to note that certain poisons such as
agricultural chemicals or insecticides may enter the bloodstream through
absorption while leaving the skin undamaged.
Inhaled
Poisons
Inhalation injuries can come from a
variety of sources including the inhalation of smoke, gasses, and chemicals.
Get victim to fresh air. Use caution in giving rescue breathing to a person
overcome by hazardous chemicals, as you may be contaminated in so doing.
Ingested
Poisons
Internal poisoning may not be
immediately apparent. Symptoms, such as vomiting are sufficiently general that
an immediate diagnosis cannot be made. The best indication of internal
poisoning may be the presence of an open container of medication or toxic
household chemicals. Check the label for specific first aid instructions for
that specific poison.
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Do not administer emergency antidotes or induce vomiting
without the benefit of expert advice.
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Call for help immediately as
advanced medical care will be required. If possible contact a poison control center
and provide information about the suspected poison. Depending on the type of
poison, the poison control center may suggest additional first aid measures
pending the arrival of emergency medical technicians. These might include
dilution with water or milk, administration of syrup of ipecac or activated
charcoal, or the use of other common household products e.g palm oil as improvised emergency
antidotes.
Appropriate first aid measures vary
depending on the type of poison. Induced vomiting may do more harm than good,
because the poison may harm the alimentary canal or esophagus. Vomit may also
block the airway. However, induced vomiting may be necessary with some poisons
to save the victim's life.
Injected
Poisons
An injection poisoning can occur
from a variety of sources. From drug abuse to insect bites/stings to animal
bites. Poison Control Centers will provide the best information for first
aiders. Basic treatment involves monitoring the patients ABCs, treating for
shock, observing the patient for an allergic reaction, and calming the patient.
To help EMS, gain as much
information about the poison as you can. What it was, when it was injected, how
it was injected, and if the person has any allergies to the injection. (For
example a bee sting causing anaphylaxis.)
Treatment
As with any type of poisoning, EMS
should be immediately called and the rescuer should always start with the
initial assessment and treat any life-threatening problems before continuing.
Once all life-threats are taken care of, then the poison should be removed
carefully. Failure to do so may lead to the rescuer succumbing to the poison as
well. Rescuers should always wear at least one and possibly two sets of gloves.
Filter masks should also be worn to prevent inhalation.
Topical poisons tend to be in either
a powder or liquid form. The treatment for either form is the same. First,
remove any excess poison from the affected area, being careful not to inhale or
touch it. This will decrease the potential for harm and make the next step
exponentially easier. If possible, capture the poison in a clean secure
container for identification purposes. Next, irrigate the affected area for at
least 20 minutes to dilute the poison.
THANKS FOR UR RAPT ATTENTION.
