Chapter 24: Poison Emergencies - Bloodborne First Aid CPR
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chapter 24 : Poison Emergencies

Defined:

ThA poison is a substance that can cause injury, illness or death if it enters the body
accidently or deliberately. Some poisons are harmful if you breathe or swallow them, while
others are harmful upon direct contact.

Causes:

  • Alcohol
  • Drugs
  • Cleaning products
  • Food (i.e., contaminated water, mishandled food)
  • Pesticides
  • Plants (i.e., poison ivy)
  • Poisonous liquids
  • Poisonous gases

    • Signs and Symptoms:

  • Burning around the lips and tongue
  • Burning or tearing of eyes
  • Change of consciousness
  • Chest or abdominal pain
  • Diarrhea
  • Hallucinations
  • Irregular pupil size
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Skin color change
  • Seizures, headache, dizziness, weaknes
  • Troubled breathing

    • Common Emergency Example(s):

    First Degree Burn (Superficial) :

    These poisons enter the body by swallowing and can include: food, drugs, alcohol,
    household and cleaning products, pesticides, plants and more. Some substances may not be
    poisonous if taken in a small quantity.

    Inhaled Poison:

    A person can also be poisoned by breathing in poison, like certain fumes and gases.
    Examples include: carbon monoxide (car exhaust), carbon dioxide (from sewers, wells),
    chlorine (found in swimming pools), glues and paints.

    Absorbed Poison:

    These poisons are absorbed through the skin, and include: plants (poison ivy, poison oak
    and poison sumac), fertilizers, pesticides and more.

    Injected Poison :

    An injected poison enters the body through bites or stings of insects, spiders, ticks,
    snakes and / or through medical hypodermic needles.

    First Aid Actions / Treatment :

    1. Assess the scene and check for your safety. Do not approach the person if the scene
      is unsafe. Keep an eye out for signs of a poison – leaking containers, gases, etc.
    2. Get a First Aid kit and wear personal protective equipment.
    3. Activate EMS (Call 9-1-1) and call National Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222.
      Follow dispatcher instructions. Gather the following information and inform poison
      control of what you learn:

      • Type of poison
      • Quantity taken / inhaled / touched
      • When did it happen?
      • Person’s weight; age
    4. If possible, remove the poison. Remove any contaminated jewelry or clothing and
      brush off solid substances with gloved hand.
    5. Rinse contaminated area with water for at least 20 minutes.
    6. Move the person to a poison-free scene, if possible.
    7. If CPR is required, be sure to wear a breathing barrier to protect yourself from
      possible exposure to the poison.
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