Poisoning first aid

Definition

Poisoning caused by swallowing, injecting, breathing in, or otherwise being exposed to a poisonous substance.

Considerations

Approximately 2.5 million poisonings are reported to U.S. poison control centers every year, with nearly 1,000 reported fatalities. The first aid you give before getting medical help can save a victim's life. In a poisoning emergency, immediate first aid is critical.

It is important to note that the absence of a warning on a package label does not necessarily mean that the product is safe.

Suspect poisoning if someone suddenly becomes sick for no apparent reason.

Suspect inhalation poisoning if the victim is found near a furnace, a car, a fire, or in an area that is not well ventilated.

Symptoms of poisoning may take time to develop. However, if poisoning is suspected, do not wait for symptoms to develop before getting medical help.

Causes

Common Causes include:

• Medicines (such as an aspirin overdose)
  
• Household detergents and cleaning products
  
• Carbon monoxide gas (from furnaces, gas engines, fires, space heaters)
  
• Household plants (eating toxic plants)
  
• Paints (swallowing or inhaling fumes)
  
• Insecticides
  
• Cosmetics (incorrectly used)
  
• Illicit drug overdose (accidental or intentional)
  
• Occupational chemical exposures
  
• Food poisoning (such as botulism)
  
• Animals (exposure to the toxic substances produced by some animals)
  

Symptoms

Symptoms vary according to the poison, but may include:

• Abdominal pain
  
• Bluish lips
  
• Chest pain
  
• Confusion
  
• Cough
  
• diarrhea
  
• Difficulty breathing
  
• Dizziness
  
• Double vision
  
• Drowsiness
  
• Fever
  
• headache
  
• Heart palpitations