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Poisoning first aid

Considerations:
Approximately 10 million people are poisoned annually, and 4,000 of them are poisoned fatally. The first aid you give before you get 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.

Symptoms of poisoning can take time to develop. However, do not delay getting medical help until symptoms develop.

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

Causes:



Symptoms:
Symptoms vary according to the poison but may include



Do not:

  • DO NOT give an unconscious victim anything by mouth.
  • DO NOT induce vomiting unless you are told to do so by the Poison control Center or a doctor. A strong poison that burns on the way down the throat will also do damage on the way back up.
  • DO NOT try to neutralize the poison with lemon juice or vinegar, or any other substance unless you are told to do so by the Poison Control Center or a doctor.
  • DO NOT use any "cure-all" type antidote.
  • DO NOT wait for symptoms to develop if you suspect that someone has been poisoned.



Call Your Healthcare Provider if:

  • someone has been poisoned. Call your local Poison control Center. See document on poison control centers for telephone numbers and addresses.



First Aid:
ALWAYS CALL YOUR LOCAL POISON CONTROL CENTER FOR ADVICE!

FOR POISONING BY SWALLOWING:
1. Check the victim's airway, breathing, and circulation. If necessary, begin rescue breathing and CPR .

2. Try to make sure that the victim has indeed been poisoned. It is not always obvious. Some signs include chemical-smelling breath, burns around the mouth, difficulty breathing , vomiting , or unusual odors on the victim. If possible, identify the poison.

3. Call your local poison control center.

4. Only induce vomiting if the poison control center tells you to do so.

5. To induce vomiting give the victim 1 tablespoon of ipecac syrup followed by 2 glasses of water. Another technique is to use a glass of warm water containing 3 teaspoons of salt or 1 spoonful of dried mustard.

6. If the victim vomits, protect the airway. If you must clear the victim's airway, wrap a cloth around your fingers before cleaning out his or her mouth and throat.

7. Monitor the victim's vital signs (temperature, pulse , rate of breathing, blood pressure ). If the victim starts having convulsions , protect him or her from injury and give convulsion, first aid .

8. Reassure the victim and keep him or her comfortable while getting or awaiting medical help. If the poison has spilled on the victim's clothes, remove the clothing and flush the skin with water.

FOR INHALATION POISONING:
1. Call for emergency help. Never attempt to rescue without notifying others first.

2. Rescue the victim from the danger of the gas, fumes, or smoke. Hold a wet cloth over your nose and mouth. Open windows and doors to remove the fumes.

3. Avoid lighting a match as some gases may ignite.

4. Take several deep breaths of fresh air, then hold your breath as you go in.

5. After rescuing the victim from danger, check his or her airway, breathing, and circulation. If necessary, perform rescue breathing and CPR.

6. As necessary, perform first aid for skin burns, eye injuries ( eye emergencies ), or convulsions (convulsion, first aid).

7. If the victim vomits, protect his or her airway.

8. Even if the victim seems perfectly fine, get medical help.

Prevention:

  • Be aware of poisons in and around your home. Take steps to protect young children from toxic substances.
  • Be familiar with plants in your home, yard, and vicinity. Keep your children informed too. Remove any noxious plants.
  • If you are concerned that industrial poisons might be polluting nearby land or water, report your concerns to the local health department or the state or federal Environmental Protection Agency.
  • Most any non-food substance is poisonous if taken in large doses.
  • Teach children about the dangers of substances that contain poison. Label all poisons.
  • Keep all your prescription and non prescription drugs stored out of the reach of children.
  • Don't store household chemicals in food containers, even if they are labeled.




White nail syndrome may also be called leukonychia. Leukonychia can occur with arsenic poisoning, heart disease, renal failure, pneumonia, or hypoalbuminuria.