Chapter 35 – Grade 10 – Lesson 2
POISONINGS
Journal Entry: “How can accidental poisonings occur? How can they be prevented?
Why do people take such unnecessary risks?”
POISONS
1 to 2 million poisonings occur in the US every year
Most poisonings involve children under the age of six
SWALLOWING POISON
Symptoms of oral poisoning are as follows:
- Sharp abdominal cramps, extreme drowsiness followed by a loss of
consciousness, vomiting, chemical odor on the breath or chemical burns on
the lips, and the presence of an open container of a potentially poisonous
substance
FIRST AID FOR SWALLOWING POISON
- Look and save the container of the suspected poison
- Call POISON CONTROL CENTER: A 24-hour hot line that provides
emergency medical advice on treating poisoning victims.
o Number should be posted in a highly visible place in the home
- Be prepared to give information about the victim on the phone
o Age and weight of victim
o Name of the suspected poison
o Amount of poison swallowed, and time it was swallowed
o Depending on the situation you may be asked to give the victim a
substance that dilutes the poison, such as large quantities of water or
milk, or be told to administer and EMETIC: An agent that induces
vomiting, such as a tablespoon of salt dissolved in warm water. An
emetic should never be administered to a person who is unconscious.
- Treat the victim for shock. You will use the same procedure for treating
wounds learned in lesson one.
- You may also need to administer CPR
SNAKEBITE
The danger of snake bites:
Each year, nearly 8,000 people receive poisonous snake bites in the United States. Even a
bite from a so-called "harmless" snake can cause infection or allergic reaction in some
people. People who frequent wilderness areas, camp, hike, picnic, or live in snakeinhabited areas should be aware of the potential dangers posed by snakes that contain
VENOM: A poisonous substance secreted by a snake or other animal.
What snakes cause poisonous bites?
Any of the following snakes cause poisonous bites:
Rattlesnake
Copperhead
Cottonmouth Water Moccasin
Coral Snake
What are the symptoms of poisonous bites?
While each individual may experience symptoms differently, the following are the most
common symptoms of poisonous snake bites:
bloody wound discharge
fang marks in the skin and swelling at the site of the bite
severe localized pain
diarrhea
burning
convulsions
fainting
dizziness
weakness
blurred vision
excessive sweating
fever
increased thirst
loss of muscle coordination
nausea and vomiting
numbness and tingling
rapid pulse
How are snake bites treated?
- Call for emergency assistance immediately if someone has been bitten by a
snake. Responding quickly in this type of emergency is crucial. While waiting for
emergency assistance:
- Wash the bite with soap and water.
- Immobilize the bitten area and keep it lower than the heart.
- Cover the area with a clean, cool compress or a moist dressing to minimize
swelling and discomfort.
- Monitor vital signs.
- If a victim is unable to reach medical care within 30 minutes, the American Red
Cross recommends:
- Apply a bandage, wrapped two to four inches above the bite, to help slow the
venom. This should not cut off the flow of blood from a vein or artery - the band should
be loose enough to slip a finger under it.
- A suction device can be placed over the bite to help draw venom out of the
wound without making cuts. These devices are often included in commercial snake bite
kits.
- Most often, physicians use antivenin -- an antidote to snake venom -- to treat
serious snake bites. Antivenin is derived from antibodies created in a horse's blood serum
when the animal is injected with snake venom. Because antivenin is obtained from
horses, snake bite victims sensitive to horse products must be carefully managed.
Preventing snake bites:
- Some bites, such as those inflicted when you accidentally step on a snake in the
woods, are nearly impossible to prevent. However, there are precautions that can reduce
your chances of being bitten by a snake. These include:
- Leave snakes alone. Many people are bitten because they try to kill a snake or
get too close to it.
- Stay out of tall grass unless you wear thick leather boots and remain on hiking
paths as much as possible.
- Keep hands and feet out of areas you cannot see. Do not pick up rocks or
firewood unless you are out of a snake's striking distance.
- Be cautious and alert when climbing rocks.
CONTACT POISONING
Poisons that come into contact with the skin fall into two categories: Those found
on plants and those found in some chemicals
FIRST AID FOR POISONOUS PLANTS
Most common poisonous plants have the word poison in their names
- Poison ivy, poison oak, and poison sumac
- First defense against poisoning by any of these plants is to learn what they
look like
- Some people have no reaction to poisonous plants
- Others develop a severe skin rash at the point of contact, followed later by
blistering, swelling, burning, itching, and possibly a fever
- First aid for plant poisoning begins by removing any clothing that may be
contaminated.
- Pour large quantities of water over the affected areas and wash thoroughly
with soap and water.
- Calamine lotion can be used to relieve itching. If pain is sever seek medical
attention
FIRST AID for POISONOUS CHEMICALS
- Pesticides, solvents, household cleaning agents, and highly abrasive cleaners
are among the chemicals that can cause poisoning
- Make sure safety caps on these products are securely in place
- Stored out of reach of small children
- Poisoning through direct contact with a chemical is usually characterized by a
burning of the skin, resembling sunburn. Treatment should begin as soon as
possible
o Remove any clothing that has come into contact with the chemical
o Remove as much of the chemical from the surface of the skin as you
can by flooding the area with water for 15 minutes
o Contact the nearest poison control center