A Poison Is Any Substance That, When Ingested, Inhaled, Absorbed,

Poisoning

A poison is any substance that, when ingested, inhaled, absorbed, applied to the skin, or produced within the body in relatively small amounts, injures the body by its chemical action. Poisoning from inhalation and ingestion of toxic materials, both intentional and unintentional, constitutes a major hazard and an emergency situation. Emergency treatments is initiated with the following goals: • •To remove or inactivate the poison before it is absorbed •To provide supportive care in maintaining vital organ systems •To administer a specific antidote to neutralize a specific poison •To implement treatment that hastens the elimination of the absorbed poison

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Types Of Poisoning

Ingested (swallowed) poisoning Chemicals that are swallowed may harm the digestive tract, or cause more widespread damage if they enter the bloodstream and are transported to other parts of the body. Swallowed poisons may be corrosive. Corrosive poisons include alkaline and acid agents that can cause tissue destruction after coming contact into mucous membranes. Alkaline products include lye, drain cleaners, toilet bowl cleaners, bleach, nonphosphate detergents, oven cleaners, and button batteries. Efforts are made to determine what substance was ingested ; the amount; the time since ingestion; signs and symptoms; such as pain or burning sensation, any evidence of redness or burn in the mouth or throat, pain in swallowing or in an inability to swallow, vomiting or drooling; age and weight of the patient; and the pertinent health history. •

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RECOGNITION Depends on the poison, but there may be: •Vomiting, sometimes bloodstained. •Impaired consciousness. •Pain or burning sensation. •Empty containers in the vicinity. •History of ingestion/exposure.

Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Carbon monoxide poisoning may occur as a result of industrial or household incidents or attempted suicide. Carbon monoxide exerts its toxic effect by binding to circulating hemoglobin and thereby reducing the oxygencapacity of the blood. Hemoglobin adsorbs carbon monoxide 200 times more readily than it absorbs oxygen. •

Skin Contamination poisoning (Chemical Burns) The severity of chemical burn is determined by the mechanism of actions, the penetrating strength and the concentration, and the amount and duration of exposure of the skin to the chemical. •

Food Poisoning Food poising is a sudden illness that occurs after ingestion of contaminated food or drink. The to treatment is determining the source and type of food poisoning. If the suspected food should be brought to the medical facility and a history obtained from the patient or family. •

• Example.

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Botulism , a form of food poisoning is caused by Clostridium botulinum, an obligately anaerobic , endospore forming gram-positive rod found in soil and many fresh water sediments. •

Inhaled Gases Inhaling chemical fumes or sprays is potentially harmful and may lead to breathing problems, confusion, and collapse. Chlorine gas is stored at swimming pools and is hazardous if released. Poisonous may also be released in the chemical reaction that occurs when different cleaning product are used together. •

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RECOGNITION

Depends on the gas but there may be: •Headache •Noisy, distressed breathing •Confusing •Impaired consciousness

Poisons In The Eye Many chemicals – both liquids and gases used in the home and the workplace can irritate the eyes. The membranes covering the eye absorb chemicals rapidly, and this can lead to damage to the eyes within minutes of a chemical being in •

RECOGNITION There may be: •Intense pain in the eye. •Inability to open the injured eye. •Redness and swelling around the eye. •Copious watering of the eye.

Poisoning Poisoning can result from an overdose of either prescribed drug or drugs that are bought over the counter. It can also be caused by drug abuse or •

RECOGNITION Category

Drug

Effects of poisoning

Painkillers

Aspirin (swallowed )

Upper abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting • ringing in the ears • “sighing ” when breathing • confusion and delirium • dizziness.

Paracetamol (swallowed )

Little effect at first, but abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting may develop • irreversible liver damage may occur within 3 days (malnourishment and alcohol increase the risk) .

Nervous system depressants and tranquillisers

Barbiturates and Lethargy and sleepiness, leading to unconsciousness • benzodiazepines shallow breathing • weak, irregular, or abnormally slow or (swallowed ) fast pulse.

Stimulants and hallucinogens

Amphetamines (including ecstasy) And LSD (swallowed ); cocaine (inhaled ) Morphine, heroin (commonly injected)

Excitable, hyperactive behaviour, wildness and frenzy • sweating • tremor of the hands • hallucinations in which the casualty may claim to “hear voice” or “see things”.

Glue, lighter fuel (inhaled)

Nausea and vomiting • headaches • hallucinations •possibly , unconsciousness • rarely, cardiac arrest.

Narcotics

Solvents

Small pupils • sluggishness and confusion , possibly leading to unconsciousness • slow, shallow breathing, which may stop altogether • needle marks, which may be infected.

Alcohol Poisoning Alcohol (chemical name, ethanol) is a drug that depresses the activity of the central nervous system- in particular, the brain. Prolonged or excessive intake can severely impair all physical and mental functions, and the person may sink into deep unconsciousness. •

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There are several risks to the casualty from alcohol poisoning: • A n u n co n scio u s ca su a lty risks in h a lin g a n d ch o kin g o n vo m it. • A lco h o l w id e n s ( d ila te s) th e b lo o d ve sse ls. • A ca su a lty m a y w h o sm e lls o f a lco h o l m a y b e m isd ia g n o se d a n d n o t re ce ive a p p ro p ria te tre a tm e n t fo r a n u n d e rlyin g ca u se of •

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Recognition

There may be: • A strong smell of alcohol. • Empty bottles or cans. • Impaired consciousness: the casualty may respond if roused, but will quickly relapse. • Flushed and moist face. • Deep, noisy breathing. • Full, bounding pulse. • Unconsciousness. •In the later stages of unconsciousness: • Dry, bloated appearance to the face. • Shallow breathing. • Weak, rapid pulse. • Dilated pupils that react poorly to light. • •