First Aid for Poisoning PDF

First Aid for Poisoning Dr. Ahmed M. Abdel-Halim Lecturer, PT for Cardiopulmonary Department BUC 1 Overview of Poisoning Poison is any substance that enters or touches the body with effects that are injurious to health or life threatening Most occur in home with common products Assume all substances...

First Aid for Poisoning Dr. Ahmed M. Abdel-Halim Lecturer, PT for Cardiopulmonary Department BUC 1 Overview of Poisoning Poison is any substance that enters or touches the body with effects that are injurious to health or life threatening Most occur in home with common products Assume all substances are poisonous unless known otherwise Overview of Poison Can enter body by being: – – – – Swallowed Injected Inhaled Absorbed Almost anything can be poisonous in doses larger than intended Signs and Symptoms of Swallowed Poisons May look and feel ill Abdominal pain Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea Altered mental status, unresponsive Burns, stains or odors around mouth Dilated or constricted pupils Abnormal breathing First Aid for Swallowed Poisons 1.Determine what was swallowed, when and how much. 2.For alert victim – call Poison Control Centers and follow their instructions. 3.For not alert victim or any victim with life-threatening condition – call 123 and give Basic Life Support if needed. Food Poisoning Occurs when food contaminated Contamination can occur at any stage of food preparation or delivery Symptoms may begin soon after eating or within 24 hours Talk with health care provider unless urgent Medical Care for Food Poisoning Seek Urgent Medical Care for Food Poisoning if: – – – – – Signs of shock Shaking or chills Chest pain Signs of severe dehydration Confusion or difficulty reasoning Inhaled Poisons Gases and fumes may be in home or workplace Poisoning can result if insufficient fresh air Check product labels Include gases that may escape from pipelines or transport tanks Smokes and fumes from fires are poisonous Carbon Monoxide Causes highest number of fatal accidental poisonings Invisible, odorless and tasteless May be present from exhaust, kerosene heater, industrial equipment, fireplace, wood stove, fire Exposure to large amounts can be TOXIC Exposure to small amounts may cause gradual poisoning Preventing Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Do not use gas or charcoal burning device inside home Install carbon monoxide detector in home – If it sounds evacuate and call 123 Seek medical attention if you suspect CO poisoning and feel dizzy, lightheaded or nauseated Preventing Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Do not run vehicle inside attached garage Do not burn anything in stove or fireplace that isn’t vented Do not heat house with gas oven Poison Ivy, Oak, Sumac Contact with resin causes allergic contact dermatitis in about half of population If you have made contact wash area with soap and water Rash appears within few hours up to two days Poison Ivy, Oak, Sumac continued Keep from scratching rash – Skin can break and become infected Rash cannot spread to other people First aid is controlling itching First Aid for Poison Ivy, Oak and Sumac 1.Wash area with soap and water as soon as possible after contact. 2.Seek medical attention if severe reaction or swelling on face or genitals. 3.Treat itching (Calamine lotion and antihistamines). Poison Control Centers Provide information and treatment advice for all kinds of poisonings Will have most accurate information Will advise on first aid Can advise on prevention Preventing Poisoning in Children Household and Chemical Products Use safety locks on cabinets Store potential poisons out of reach and out of sight Store products in original containers Teach children about poison Preventing Poisoning in Children Household and Chemical Products Store food and products in different areas Put back after use Keep away from areas sprayed with pesticide Discard old or outdated products Preventing Poisoning in Children (medication) Keep out of sight, locked up and out of reach Use child-resistant containers Store in original containers Keep purses/diaper bags out of reach Do not take medication in front of children Do not call medicine candy Keep vitamins locked up and out of reach Be aware of medicines visitors may bring Preventing Poisoning in Adults Keep in original containers Store food and products separately Read directions and caution labels Never mix products together Turn on fans, open windows when using household products When spraying turn nozzle away and wear protective clothing Stay away from areas sprayed with pesticides Never sniff containers Discard old products Read and follow the label directions Prevention of Poisoning in Elderly Make it easy to see the medication: Wear glasses or use strong lighting or use a magnifier. Never take medicines in the dark. Do not double the dose for the missed dose. Create a way to remember when doses of medicine have been taken. Write dose times on a calendar and make a check mark after each dose is taken. Do not mix the medicine containers with others which might look alike. Never replace your medications by borrowing from relatives or friends or neighbors. Keep the emergency phone numbers list near the telephone. Tips for Prevention of Accidental Poisoning in Elderly Never take expired medications. Be aware of potential drug interactions as some medicines interact dangerously with food or other medicines. Do not take any natural or herbal supplements without consulting the doctor.