Dr. Sawsan Mustafa Abdalla

• Poison, What is it? A poison is any material
(liquid, solid, gas) that by reason of an intrinsic toxic property has the tendency to be fatal or hinder one’s health.

Poisons can have an extensive array of affects such as:
• Slight pain
• discomfort.
• Skin irritation.
• Anaphylaxis.
• Cardiac arrest.
• Death ,etc.

• Poisons can be acquired through four different means:
• Ingested (swallowed).
• Inhaled (through breathing).
• Absorbed (through skin).
• Injected (through syringe or bite). Poison Ivy –
Skin Irritation

• How Poisoning May Occur, &
• Poisonous Products Overdosing on medicine or using medicine that doesn’t belong to you.
• Being bitten or
• stung by venomous animals
• Swallowing or
• sniffing
• Paints Coming in contact with poisonous chemicals Touching poisonous plants. I

• Inhaling poisonous gases such as carbon monoxide, or fumes from strong cleaning products.
• Pesticides Petrochemical products eg. Vasoline
• Illegal drugs
• Household cleaning products
• Drug overdose Poison
• Ivy Cleaning Products
• Venomous Bites

• Recognition It may be easily observable that someone has been poisoned if:
• Chemical products are evident at the victims scene. Drugs are on or around the victim (medical or illegal).
• A syringe is in or next to victim.
• Warning signs of gases and chemicals are at/around the location.
• Victim is conscious and tells first aider they have been poisoned.

• If none of these points are apparent in a possible poisoning case,
• there are numerous signs and symptoms to look for in the victim, that will enable you to establish if they have been poisoned.
• Sign indicating presence of hazardous chemicals Syringe Example of poisonous chemical

• Signs & Symptoms of Poisoning Lower level, if any of consciousness. Altered mood:
• lethargic, ecstatic, violent or hostile.
• Differed breathing rate.
• Increased or lowered heart rate.
• Dilated or shrunken pupils
• Change of colour around mouth

• Cramps
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhoea
• Dilated Pupil

Current Primary Management
Techniques
Management for a responsive patient :
• Execute a Primary Survey
• Placate and reassure the victim
• Monitor the vital signs of the victim
• Inquire as to what poison was consumed, the amount and how long ago it was taken

Current Primary Management
Techniques
• Don’t encourage vomiting
• Contact Poisons Information Centre
• Get medical advice or assistance
• Call 997 for an ambulance .

Current Primary Management
Techniques
• Management of Ingested and Injected
Poisons:
• An unconscious or unresponsive patient:
• Seek an ambulance immediately on 997
• if using a mobile phone.
• Execute a Primary Survey.
• Monitor the vital signs of the victim.
• If available give patient supplemental oxygen.

Current Primary Management
Techniques
• Try to determine what poison was consumed, the amount
• and how long ago it was taken
• Damage resulting from drug use.

Current Primary Management
Techniques
• Management of Absorbed Poisons An unconscious or unresponsive patient:
• Don’t disregard prospective hazards when executing a Primary Survey.
• Seek an ambulance immediately on 997.
• Irrigate the poisoned part of the body with a great quantity of water
• Chemical Spill

Current Primary Management
Techniques
• Management of Inhaled Poisons An unconscious or unresponsive patient.:
• Don’t disregard prospective hazards,
• ensuring you yourself doesn’t get contaminated.
• Seek an ambulance immediately on 997
• Remove patient from infected area before executing a Primary Survey.
• If available give patient supplemental oxygen.

How poisons affect the body systems
• How poisons affect the body systems:
• Brain: confusion, delirium, seizures and unconsciousness.
• Mouth: burn mouth ,lips and food passage
• Chest: Sever breathing problems

How poisons affect the body systems
• liver: serious damage to the liver which act as poisons filter
• Digestive system: vomiting ,abdominal pain and diarrhea
• Kidney: serious damage to the kidneys
• Blood: some poisons prevent blood cells from carrying oxygen
• Skin:burns