First Aid Tips - Poisoning

Virtually anything taken in large doses can lead to poisoning, even water taken in very large quantities can unbalance the body's water electrolyte balance.Certain poisons can pose a threat to the rescuer

Identification / look out for:

• Nausea and vomiting
• Pain in digestive tract
• Blood from digestive tract
• Drowsiness and faintness
• Confusion
• Difficulty in breathing
• Unconsciousness
• Flushed, damp skin
• Headache
• Fever
• Shock
  

1. Seek immediate medical help / ambulance.
2. Find out the cause of poisoning if possible.
3. If poison absorbed through skin, remove all clothing and wash affected area under running water thoroughly while ensuring your own protection.
4. Any
   • Vomited material
   • Syringes
   • Medications / drugs
   • Suicide notes
   Should be looked for and retained, to be sent to the hospital along with the patient. This will aid in diagnosis and specific treatment.
5. If patient unconscious - check airway and monitor breathing and pulse and if required start CPR - (protect yourself) 
6. Note down exact time of poison ingestion.
   

1. Make the casualty vomit.
2. Do not feed liquid or solid by mouth.