Chapter 25: First Aid- Poison Emergencies

Common Emergency Example(s):

Swallowed Poisons:

These poisons enter the body by swallowing and can include: food, drugs, alcohol, household and cleaning products, pesticides, plants and more. Some substances may not be poisonous if taken in a small quantity.

Inhaled Poison:

A person can also be poisoned by breathing in poison, like certain fumes and gases. Examples include: carbon monoxide (car exhaust), carbon dioxide (from sewers, wells), chlorine (found in swimming pools), glues and paints.

Absorbed Poison:

These poisons are absorbed through the skin, and include: plants (poison ivy, poison oak and poison sumac), fertilizers, pesticides and more.

Injected Poison:

An injected poison enters the body through bites or stings of insects, spiders, ticks, snakes and / or through medical hypodermic needles.

First Aid Treatment for poison emergency:

1. Assess the scene and check for your safety. Do not approach the person if the scene is unsafe. Keep an eye out for signs of poison – leaking containers, gases, etc.
2. Get a First Aid kit and wear personal protective equipment.
3. Activate EMS (Call 9-1-1) and call the National Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222. Follow dispatcher instructions. Gather the following information and inform poison control of what you learn:

• Type of poison
• Quantity taken / inhaled / touched
• When did it happen?
• Person’s weight; age

1. If possible, remove the poison. Remove any contaminated jewelry or clothing and brush off solid substances with a gloved hand.
2. Rinse the contaminated area with water for at least 20 minutes.
3. Move the person to a poison-free scene, if possible.
4. If CPR is required, be sure to wear a breathing barrier to protect yourself from possible exposure to the poison.