Index
This topic covers the identification and management of poisoning.
Poisoning – Introduction
A poison is any substance which, when introduced into the body, interferes with one or more normal body functions.
Poisons may be solid, liquid or gaseous.
They may be found in food, medication, household substances and industrial products.
Poisons may enter the body by:
· Being eaten or drunk
· Being breathed in,
· Being absorbed or injected through the skin OR
· Through the mucous membranes of the mouth, nose or eyes.
You should always be careful where poisons are concerned, and try to take preventative measures.
· When attempting to help a casualty, do not become a casualty yourself
· Beware of poisonous fumes or gases in enclosed spaces
· Destroy unwanted medicines and poisons
· Keep poisons and medicines in a locked cupboard, out of reach of children
· Keep poisons and medicines in properly labeled, childproof containers: never store them in drink bottles
Poisoning – Signs and Symptoms
Look for evidence of the poison being in reach of the casualty.
The signs and symptoms of poisoning depend on the nature of the substance and, in some cases, how it entered the body. Any of the following may occur:
· Abdominal pain
· Drowsiness
· Nausea and/or vomiting
· Burning pain from mouth through to stomach
· Difficulty breathing
· Tight feeling in chest
· Headache
· Ringing in ears
· Blurred vision
· Smell of fumes
· Odour on breath
· Bite or injection marks, with or without local swelling
· Contamination of skin
· Change of skin colour; blueness around lips
· Burns around and inside mouth or on tongue
· Sudden collapse
Poisoning – Management
If the casualty is unconscious
· Follow DRABCD
· Call 000 for an ambulance
· Call 000 for fire brigade if atmosphere contained with smoke or gas or fumes
If the casualty is conscious
· Check for danger
· Listen to casualty; give reassurance but not advice
· Determine nature of substance, if possible, and record
· Call 000 for an ambulance
· Call 13 11 26 for the Poisons Information Centre
If you are dealing with someone who is suffering from poisoning, after calling for an ambulance it is a good idea to call the Poisons Information Centre for advice on how to manage the casualty.
When managing a poisoned casualty, you should remember to record the names of the substances taken, and send all containers and suicide notes with the casualty to hospital.
While you must not try to induce vomiting, if the casualty does vomit, you should send a sample of the vomit to hospital with them.
The national number for information regarding poisons is: 13 11 26
It is a good idea to record this number close to your telephone, particularly if there are small children living in the house.
For all ingested poisons, including a corrosive, petroleum-based, medicinal, or unknown substance, in addition to the general management procedures:
· DO NOT induce vomiting
· DO NOT give anything by mouth
· DO wash corrosive substance off mouth and face with water, or wipe off
For all inhaled poisons, in addition to the general management procedures:
· Move casualty to fresh air
· Loosen tight clothing
For all absorbed poisons, in addition to the general management procedures:
· Ask casualty to remove contaminated clothing
· Shower skin clean
· Launder contaminated clothes separately (be careful about your own skin contact)
For cyanide, in addition to the general management procedures:
• Turn casualty on side
• Wash mouth and lips
• If breathing stops, give 2 initial breaths and check for signs of life
• If there are no signs of life, start CPR
Poisoning – Summary
Poisons can enter the body through being ingested, inhaled, absorbed and injected.
Look for evidence of the poison. There can be a range of signs and symptoms depending on the poison and the method by which the poison entered the body.
Ring the poison information number on 13 11 26 if managing a casualty with poisoning.
For further information:
Australian First Aid, Chapter 13
Poisons Information Centre websites:
http://www.wch.org.au/poisons/index
http://www.health.qld.gov.au/PoisonsInformationCentre/default.htm
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