This might be the last part of emergency 101 that i will take up for everybody's information, however, wait for fitness and health articles that will be coming soon.
Poison is anything that kills or injures through its chemical actions. Most poisons are swallowed (ingested). The word poison comes from the Latin word "potare" meaning to drink. But poisons can also enter the body in other ways:
-By breathing
-Through the skin
-By IV injection
-From exposure to radiation
-Venom from a snake bite
Most poisoning can be prevented. Children almost always swallow poison accidentally. Don't allow children to reach potentially harmful substance like the following:
-Medications
-Insecticides
-Caustic cleansers or Drain Cleaners
-Organic Solvents
-Fuels
-Furniture polishes
-Antifreezes
Keep all drugs in child-resistant bottles. Aspirin overdoses have been responsible for more childhood deaths than any other medication.
Identifying the Problem
Treatment must be prompt to be effective, but identifying the poison is as important as speed. Don't panic. Try to identify the swallowed substance without taking up too much time. If you can't or if the victim is unconscious, bring him to the emergency room right away. If you can identify the poison, call the doctor or poison control center immediately and get advice on what to do. You should bring the container with you to the hospital. Life-support measures come first in the case of an unconscious victim but doctors must identify the ingested substance before they can begin the proper therapy.
Many significant medication overdoses are due to suicide attempts. Any suicide attempt is an indication that the person needs help, even if he or she has physically recovered from the overdose itself and is in no immediate danger. Most successful suicides are preceded by unsuccessful attempts.
HOME TREATMENT
All cases of poisoning require professional help. Someone should call for help immediately. If the victim is conscious and alert and the ingredients swallowed are known, there are two types of treatment: those in which vomiting is induced, and those in which it should not.
Do not induce vomiting if the victim has swallowed any of the following:
Poison is anything that kills or injures through its chemical actions. Most poisons are swallowed (ingested). The word poison comes from the Latin word "potare" meaning to drink. But poisons can also enter the body in other ways:
-By breathing
-Through the skin
-By IV injection
-From exposure to radiation
-Venom from a snake bite
Most poisoning can be prevented. Children almost always swallow poison accidentally. Don't allow children to reach potentially harmful substance like the following:
-Medications
-Insecticides
-Caustic cleansers or Drain Cleaners
-Organic Solvents
-Fuels
-Furniture polishes
-Antifreezes
Keep all drugs in child-resistant bottles. Aspirin overdoses have been responsible for more childhood deaths than any other medication.
Identifying the Problem
Treatment must be prompt to be effective, but identifying the poison is as important as speed. Don't panic. Try to identify the swallowed substance without taking up too much time. If you can't or if the victim is unconscious, bring him to the emergency room right away. If you can identify the poison, call the doctor or poison control center immediately and get advice on what to do. You should bring the container with you to the hospital. Life-support measures come first in the case of an unconscious victim but doctors must identify the ingested substance before they can begin the proper therapy.
Many significant medication overdoses are due to suicide attempts. Any suicide attempt is an indication that the person needs help, even if he or she has physically recovered from the overdose itself and is in no immediate danger. Most successful suicides are preceded by unsuccessful attempts.
HOME TREATMENT
All cases of poisoning require professional help. Someone should call for help immediately. If the victim is conscious and alert and the ingredients swallowed are known, there are two types of treatment: those in which vomiting is induced, and those in which it should not.
Do not induce vomiting if the victim has swallowed any of the following:
- Acids: battery acid, sulfuric acid, hydrochloric acid, bleach, hair straightener, etc.
- Alkali's: caustic cleansers, drain cleaners, oven cleansers, etc.
- Petroleum products: gasoline, furniture polish, kerosene, lighter fluid, etc.
These substance can destroy the esophagus or damage the lungs as they are vomited. Neutralize them with milk while contacting a physician. If you don't have milk, use water or milk of magnesia.
Vomiting is a safe way to remove medications, plants, and suspicious materials from the stomach. It's more effective and safer than using a stomach pump and doesn't require the doctor's help. Vomiting can sometimes be achieved immediately by touching the back of the throat with a finger. This is usually the fastest way, and time is important.
Another way to induce vomiting is to drink as much liquid as the victim can drink. Vomiting usually follows within 20 minutes. Mustard mixed with warm water also works. If there's no vomiting within 25 minutes, repeat the dose. Collect what comes up so that the doctor can examine it.
Before, during, and after first aid for poisoning, contact a doctor.
If an accidental poisoning has occurred, make sure that it doesn't happen again. Put poisons where children cannot reach them. Plush old or expired medications down the toilet.
First aid supplies
A well-stocked first aid kit in the house should contain some of the supplies needed for treating pesticide exposure or emergencies, be sure to include the following items:
-Eyewash bottle
-Plenty of clean water
-Activated charcoal powder(guidance from a doctor or PCC before using)
-Soap
-Disposable towels
-Clean change of clothes
Now is the time to make a list of emergency telephone numbers so they will be readily available if needed. You should also include the telephone numbers of your local emergency response provider (e.g., 911) and your local emergency medical facility.
References:
Take Care of Yourself by James Fries, M.D. and Donald Vickery, M.D.
E-Medicine Health: www.emedicinehealth.com/
Vomiting is a safe way to remove medications, plants, and suspicious materials from the stomach. It's more effective and safer than using a stomach pump and doesn't require the doctor's help. Vomiting can sometimes be achieved immediately by touching the back of the throat with a finger. This is usually the fastest way, and time is important.
Another way to induce vomiting is to drink as much liquid as the victim can drink. Vomiting usually follows within 20 minutes. Mustard mixed with warm water also works. If there's no vomiting within 25 minutes, repeat the dose. Collect what comes up so that the doctor can examine it.
Before, during, and after first aid for poisoning, contact a doctor.
If an accidental poisoning has occurred, make sure that it doesn't happen again. Put poisons where children cannot reach them. Plush old or expired medications down the toilet.
First aid supplies
A well-stocked first aid kit in the house should contain some of the supplies needed for treating pesticide exposure or emergencies, be sure to include the following items:
-Eyewash bottle
-Plenty of clean water
-Activated charcoal powder(guidance from a doctor or PCC before using)
-Soap
-Disposable towels
-Clean change of clothes
Now is the time to make a list of emergency telephone numbers so they will be readily available if needed. You should also include the telephone numbers of your local emergency response provider (e.g., 911) and your local emergency medical facility.
References:
Take Care of Yourself by James Fries, M.D. and Donald Vickery, M.D.
E-Medicine Health: www.emedicinehealth.com/
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