Poisioning
The Four Types
What it Is
poison is any substance that is harmful or lethal to a living organism. The American Association of Poison Control Centers report 10,830 calls to Poison Centers each day.
Four Types
Inhaled- breathing in the toxic
Absorbed- passing through the skin
Ingested- poison that is swallowed
Injected- enters by bites, stings, or needles
Absorbed- passing through the skin
Ingested- poison that is swallowed
Injected- enters by bites, stings, or needles
Symptons
Nausea
Vomiting
Abdominal pain
Difficulty in breathing
Headaches
Weakness
Changes in heart rate patterns
Watering of the eyes
Confusing
Impaired consciousness
* Complain of swelling, rashes, redness and itching of the skin if exposures to the sun
--> You should suspect poisoning if there are empty containers for medicines or chemicals near the poisoned person, or there is a strange smell present (for example, of bleach or kerosene)
First Aid Care
Take the following steps to care for a suspected poisoning emergency:
- Ensure the scene is safe to enter
- Check for consciousness and breathing
- Care for life-threatening conditions
- Collect evidence about the possible poison ask questions if the victim is conscious
- Call the National Poison Control Center Hotline @ 1-800-222-1222
- Follow the directions given by the Poison Control dispatcher
- Do not give the victim anything to eat or drink unless instructed by the Poison Control dispatcher or EMS personnel.
- Continue to monitor ABC's and care for life threatening conditions
Top Safety Tips
Top Safety Tips
- Keep cleaning products in their original containers.
- Always throw away old medicines and other potential poisons.
- Read product labels to find out what can be hazardous to kids.
- Program the number for the Poison Control Center (800-222-1222) into a phone