HOW CAN A POISON ENTER OUR BODIES?

By ingestion (food, drink, medicines, drugs or corrosive chemicals)

By inhalation (toxic fumes and smoke)

By injection (bites and stings, needle stick injuries or drug abuse)

By absorption (chemicals and toxic vapours)

By instillation (harmful substances splashed into the eyes)

Recognizing poisoning depends on the substance entering the body

and would require an entire book on the subject to explain in detail.

POISONING

FOR ALL TYPES OF POISONING THE FOLLOWING RULES OF

TREATMENT SHOULD BE APPLIED

● Limit further intake of poison● Maintain the airway● Identify the poison taken● Call the emergency services 999/112.

Poisoning

POISONING BY HOUSEHOLD CHEMICALS

Bleach, oven cleaners, paint stripper, detergents will cause:● Redness, blistering and burns to the skin with swelling to

the face, mouth and lips if swallowed● Distressed breathing● Dizziness and unconsciousness.

Poisoning

TREATMENT● Check the airway and breathing and be prepared to carry out

your procedure for Basic Life Support● Use a face shield when giving rescue breaths● Identify the poison taken● Sit the casualty down and give sips of milk/water to dilute the

poison● Certain chemicals react with water when mixed. Always have an

understanding of any chemical being used in your work- place● Do not induce vomiting● Keep the casualty still and call 999/112 for an ambulance● Place the unconscious casualty in the recovery position and

monitor breathing.● If the child swallows a corrosive substance (one that burns) then

give frequent sips of milk or water and call 999/112.

Poisoning