Poisoning

Poisons/chemicals on skin

Signs and symptoms

• Burns or redness around affected skin• Poisons or chemicals residue left behind

Treatment

• Remove contaminated clothing • Flood affected skin with water for 10min• Check ABC• Place in recovery position (unconscious)• Place in half sitting position (conscious)• Moniter vital signs• Keep sample of poisons/chemicals left behind

Inhaled gases or fumes

Signs and symptoms

• Breathing difficulties• Pale and bluish skin• Smell of fumes• Tight feeling in chest

Treatment

• Remove casualty from danger/move to safer place

• Check for ABC if casualty unconscious• Place casualty in recovery

position(unconscious)• Place in half sitting position(conscious)• Moniter pulse and breathing• Give sips of cold water

Swallowed poison or drug

• Signs and symptoms • Burns and redness around the lips/mouth• Odours of breath• Nausea/vomiting• Rapid and shallow breathing

Treatment

• Remove any tablet/ powder or any material around the mouth using sterile gloves

• Check for ABC if unconscious • Give casualty sips of cold water and ice to suck• Lean casualty to left side• Place casualty in recovery position if

unconscious• Keep samples of vomit and poison/drug