XVI. Poisoning
A poison is any substance that can cause injury, illness or death when introduced into the
body. Poisoning is considered a sudden illness. Between 1 and 2 million poisonings occur each
year in the United States. More than 90 percent of all poisonings take place in the home.
How Poisons Enter the Body:
1. Inhalation
2. Ingestion
3. Absorption
4. Injection
Often, the scene itself is the best clue that a poisoning may have occurred. Factors to notice
include—
1. Unusual odors.
2. Flames or smoke.
3. An open medicine cabinet.
4. Open or spilled containers.
5. Overturned or damaged plants.
6. Drug paraphernalia or empty containers.
Signals of Poisoning
The signals of poisoning include—
1. Nausea or vomiting.
2. Diarrhea.
3. Chest or abdominal pain.
4. Trouble breathing.
5. Sweating.
6. Changes in consciousness.
7. Seizures.
8. Headache.
9. Dizziness.
10. Weakness.
11. Irregular pupil size.
12. Burning or tearing eyes.
13. Abnormal skin color.
14. Burn injuries around the lips or tongue.
The severity of a poisoning depends on—
1. The type and amount of poison.
2. How and where the poison entered the body.
3. The time elapsed since the poisoning.
4. The victim’s size, weight, medical condition and age.
General guidelines of care for any poisoning emergency:
1. Check the scene.
2. Check for life-threatening conditions. Call 9-1-1 or the local emergency number if the
victim is unconscious or is having trouble breathing.
3. If the victim is conscious, ask questions.
4. What type of poison did the victim ingest, inhale, inject or come into contact with?
5. How much poison did the victim ingest, inhale, inject or come into contact with?
6. When did the poisoning take place (approximate time)?
7. Call the National Poison Control Center at 1-(800) 222-1222 or 9-1-1 or the local
emergency number.
8. Give care as directed by poison control center personnel or the EMS call taker.
Inhaled Poisons
Poisoning by inhalation occurs when a person breathes in toxic fumes. The danger
associated with inhaled poisons makes checking the safety of the scene important.
Notice clues at the scene:
1. Unusual odors
2. Strong smell of fuel
3. Hissing sound
Call 9-1-1 or the local emergency number from a different location.
A commonly inhaled poison is carbon monoxide. It is a colorless, odorless gas. Carbon
monoxide exposure can cause death. Pale or bluish skin color indicates lack of oxygen, which
may indicate exposure. All victims of inhaled poison need oxygen ASAP.
Help a conscious victim by getting him or her to fresh air. Call 9-1-1 or the local emergency
number.
If you find an unconscious victim—
1. Remove him or her from the scene if it is safe to do so.
2. Call 9-1-1 or the local emergency number.
3. Give care for any other life-threatening conditions.
Ingested Poisons
The U.S Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that 76 million people
suffer food-borne illnesses each year in the United States. Two of the most common categories
of food poisoning are bacterial food poisoning and chemical food poisoning.
Salmonella is the most common type of food poisoning.
Botulism is the most deadly type of food poisoning.
Signals of Food Poisoning
Signals of food poisoning include:
1. Nausea
2. Vomiting
3. Abdominal pain
4. Diarrhea
5. Fever
6. Dehydration
In some cases of ingested poisoning, the Poison Control Center may instruct you to induce
vomiting. Only induce vomiting if instructed to do so by a medical professional. Vomiting
should not be induced if the victim—
1. Is unconscious.
2. Is having a seizure.
3. Is pregnant (in the last trimester).
4. Has ingested a corrosive substance (such as drain cleaner or oven cleaner) or a
petroleum product (such as kerosene or gasoline).
5. Is known to have heart disease.
Absorbed Poisons
An absorbed poison enters the body after it comes in contact with the skin. Absorbed poisons
come from plants such as poison ivy, poison oak and poison sumac, as well as from fertilizers
and pesticides used in lawn and plant care.
To care for a victim who has come into contact with a poisonous plant:
1. Immediately rinse the affected area.
2. If a rash or weeping lesion (an oozing sore) develops, seek advice from a pharmacist or
physician.
3. If a victim’s condition worsens, seek a physician.
To care for a victim who has come into contact with wet or dry chemicals—
1. Flush the area continuously with water.
2. Call 9-1-1 or the local emergency number.
3. If running water is not available, carefully brush off any dry chemicals with a gloved
hand.
Injected Poisons
Injected poisons enter the body through the bites or stings of certain insects, spiders,
ticks, marine life, animals and snakes or as drugs or misused medications injected with a
hypodermic needle. Insect and animal bites and stings are the most common sources of injected
poisons. Severe allergic reactions to poisons are rare. But when one occurs, it is a life-threatening
medical emergency. This reaction is called anaphylaxis. Anaphylaxis is a form of shock.
Signals of Anaphylaxis
Onset of anaphylaxis can be rapid and the signals include—
1. Swelling and redness.
2. Hives.
3. Rash.
4. Itching.
5. Burning skin and eyes.
6. Weakness.
7. Nausea.
8. Vomiting.
9. Restlessness.
10. Dizziness.
11. Dilated pupils.
12. Slurred speech.
13. Chest discomfort or pain.
14. Weak or rapid pulse.
15. Rapid or trouble breathing.
16. Coughing or wheezing.
Care for Anaphylaxis
1. Call 9-1-1 or the local emergency number.
2. Place victim in a position of comfort for breathing.
3. Comfort and reassure the victim.
People who know they are extremely allergic to certain substances may carry an
anaphylaxis kit. The kit contains a dose of epinephrine that can be injected into the body
to counteract the anaphylactic reaction. In some cases, you may need to assist the victim
in using his or her kit.
Preventing Poisoning
By following these guidelines you will be able to prevent most poisoning emergencies:
1. Keep the household products and medications out of the reach of children.
2. Use childproof safety caps on containers of medications and other potentially
dangerous substances.
3. Use special latches and clamps to keep children from opening cabinets.
4. Keep products in their original containers.
5. Use poison symbols to identify dangerous substances.
6. Dispose of outdated medications and household products.
7. Use chemicals only in well-ventilated areas.
8. Wear proper clothing.
9. Immediately wash those areas of the body that may have come in contact with a
poison.