poisoning.pdf

Introduction: The American Association of Poison Control Center defines a poison (also known as toxin) as anything that can harm someone if it is: A. used in the wrong way B. used by the wrong person C. used in the wrong amount. Poison and Drug Information Center – toll free no. 800-4...

Introduction: The American Association of Poison Control Center defines a poison (also known as toxin) as anything that can harm someone if it is: A. used in the wrong way B. used by the wrong person C. used in the wrong amount. Poison and Drug Information Center – toll free no. 800-424 (Hotline) Drug and Poison Information Unit (MOH)- toll free no. 80011111 Classification Poisons can be classified by how they enter the body: Ingested (swallowed) – through the mouth Inhaled (breathed) – through the lungs Injected – through needle like device (eg. snake’s fangs, bee’s stinger) Absorbed (direct contact) – through the skin or eyes. Poisons come in four forms: Solids - medicine pills Liquids – household cleaner Sprays – Spray cleaners Gases – Carbon monoxide Some of the dangerous poisons found in home- Antifreeze and windshield washer products Some medicines Corrosive cleaners such as drain openers, oven cleaners, toilet cleaners and rust removers Fuels such as kerosene, lamp oil, gasoline Pesticides Ingested (Swallowed) Poisons Ingested poisoning occurs when the victim swallows a toxic substance. Potential for severe or fatal poisoning. Children below 5 years- swallow food substances which has the potential to block airway. Analgesics account for largest category of poisoning exposures. Plant and mushrooms Recognizing Ingested Poisoning Abdominal pain and cramping Nausea and vomiting Diarrhea Burns, odor or stains around and in the mouth Drowsiness and unconsciousness Seizure First aider must always look for Poison container nearby the victim. Care for ingested poisoning victims If you think someone has been poisoned: Check the condition of the victim. Call 998 immediately if the person: ❑ Has collapsed (and/or is unresponsive) ❑ Is having trouble breathing; monitor for breathing and if absent, begin CPR ❑ Has severe pain in the chest. ❑ Shows other life-threatening signs. Try to identify what poison is involved.  Be ready to tell the health professional: ❑ The name of the product (found on container’s label) ❑ The amount of product involved (eg. half of bottle) ❑ How long ago the poison contacted the victim ❑ What signs of poisoning you notice as a first aider. Place the victim on his or her left side (recovery position). For ingested poisoning, the left side is best because it positions the end of stomach where it enters the small intestine straight up. Gravity will delay (2 hours) the advance of poison into the small intestine, where absorption into the victim’s circulatory system is faster. This prevents aspiration. Save poison containers, plants and the victim’s vomitus to help medical personnel identify the poison. Alcohol Emergencies Alcohol Intoxication Alcohol is a depressant, not a stimulant. It affects a person’s judgment, vision, reaction time and coordination. In very large amounts, it can cause death by paralyzing the respiratory center of the brain. Recognizing Intoxication The odor of alcohol on a person’s breath or clothing. Unsteady, staggering walking. Slurred speech and the inability to carry on a conversation. Nausea and vomiting Flushed face Seizures can result from alcohol ingestion or alcohol withdrawal. Care for intoxicated Individuals 1. Look for any injuries. Alcohol can mask pain. 2. Monitor breathing and treat accordingly. 3. If the intoxicated person is lying down, place him or her in the recovery position to reduce the likelihood of vomiting and aspiration of vomit. Be sure to check if the victim is breathing and does not have a spinal injury before you move him or her. 4. Call the poison center or emergency number for help. 5. If the victim becomes violent, leave the scene and find a safe place until police arrives. 6. Provide emotional reassurance if cooperative. 7. Assume that an injured or unresponsive victim has a spinal injury and needs to be stabilized against movement. 8. Many intoxicated people have been exposed to cold, move the person to a warm place whenever possible. Remove wet clothing and cover with warm blankets. Drug Emergencies Classified according to their effects- Uppers are stimulants of the central nervous system. They include amphetamines, cocaine and caffeine. Downers are depressants of the central nervous system. They include barbiturates, tranquilizers, marijuana and narcotics. Drug emergencies…….. Hallucinogens- alter sensory and emotional. Marijuana also has some effect. Volatile chemicals are inhaled and can cause serious damage to many body organs. Eg. gasoline spray, spray paint, nail polish remover, etc. Abused Inhalants Inhaling glue or other solvents (gasoline, lighter fluid, nail polish) produces effects similar to ingesting alcohol. Persons who sniff these substances can die of suffocation. Recognizing Inhalant Abuse- ▪ Mild drowsiness to unresponsiveness ▪ Slurred speech and clumsiness ▪ Seizures ▪ Slow breathing rate ▪ Smell of solvents Care for Inhalant Abuser 1. Check breathing 2. Call for ambulance 3. Check for injuries 4. Keep the person in recovery position 5. Provide assurance 6. If the person becomes violent, seek safety until the police arrives. 7. Seek medical care. Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Closed room where there is cigarette smoking People who ride long distances in older, poorly maintained cars Rusted vehicles Causes – hypoxia or lack of oxygen. First, hemoglobin present in RBC has about 200 times stronger affinity to bind to CO than to oxygen present in blood. Second, CO does not allow the cells to use what little oxygen is delivered. In short, CO deprives the body parts that need oxygen the most –heart and brain. Recognizing CO Poisoning Headache Ringing in the ears (tinnitus) Chest pain (angina) Muscle weakness Nausea and vomiting Dizziness and visual changes (blurred or double vision) Unresponsiveness Respiratory and cardiac arrest. Care for CO Poisoning Victims Get the victim out of the toxic environment and into fresh air immediately. Call ambulance and inform about the incident so that 100% oxygen can be made availabe, improving oxygenation and dissociating the linkage between CO and hemoglobin. For responsive victim, it takes 4 to 5 hours with ordinary air or 30 to 40 minutes with 100% oxygen. Monitor breathing continuously. Keep the person in recovery position. Seek medical care.