Poisoning
Poisoning occurs when a person swallows, inhales, touches, or otherwise absorbs a substance that can harm their body.
COMMON CAUSES OF POISONING
Ingesting harmful substances:
Household cleaners (bleach, detergents, acids).
Medications (overdose or wrong combination).
Poisons from plants, mushrooms, or contaminated food.
Touching poisons: Chemicals, pesticides, or toxic plants that enter through the skin.
Inhaling poisons: Fumes from chemicals, smoke, or gas leaks.
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS
Nausea and vomiting
Stomach pain
Breathing difficulties
Dizziness or confusion
Burns or irritation on the skin or lips
Unconsciousness in severe cases
FIRST AID FOR POISONING
ABC: Check Danger, Response, Airway, Breathing, Circulation first.
Do not induce vomiting unless instructed by a medical professional, as it may worsen the situation.
Call for help immediately: Contact a medical facility, poison control, or emergency services.
If poison is on the skin or eyes: Remove contaminated clothing.
Rinse the skin or eyes immediately with plenty of clean water for at least 15–20 minutes.
If poison is ingested and the person is conscious: Rinse their mouth with water.
Give small sips of water if appropriate and instructed by medical personnel.
Monitor the person: Keep them calm and still.
Keep checking ABC while waiting for help.
If the person becomes unconscious: Place them in the recovery position if there is no suspected spinal injury.
Begin CPR if they stop breathing.
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF POISONING
A person who has been poisoned may show one or more of the following:
Vomiting – often one of the first signs.
Fever – elevated body temperature may indicate the body reacting to the poison.
Confusion – disorientation, agitation, or unusual behavior.
Discolored skin – pale, bluish, or flushed skin.
Seizures – uncontrolled jerking movements or convulsions.
Breathing difficulties – shortness of breath, wheezing, or irregular breathing.
Pain – in the stomach, chest, or other parts of the body.
Poisoning can affect the airway, breathing, and circulation, making it a life-threatening emergency.
Immediate medical attention is required for anyone suspected of poisoning.
Take note of:
What substance poisoned the person.
How much was ingested, inhaled, or contacted.
This information is critical for doctors or emergency responders to provide the correct treatment.
HOW TO HELP A POISONED PERSON
Do NOT make the person vomit unless instructed by medical personnel.
Do NOT give them any drink unless instructed by medical personnel.
Perform DR. ABC (Danger, Response, Airway, Breathing, Circulation) first.
Danger
Is the scene safe?
Will the poison harm you? (Remember: not all poisons are swallowed; some can be inhaled or absorbed through touch.)
Response
Is the person conscious? If yes, proceed to help them.
If no, lay them in the recovery position and ensure their airway is clear so they can breathe.
Airway
Is the person’s airway open?
Is anything blocking their throat (e.g., secretions, saliva, vomit)?
If the airway is blocked, lay the person in the recovery position to allow secretions to flow out.
Breathing
Is the person breathing? Look for chest movement.
Listen at their mouth and nose for airflow.
Feel for air coming out near their nose and mouth.
If unconscious and not breathing, start CPR immediately.
If a person can talk or cry, they can breathe.
Circulation
Is the person’s heart beating?
Feel for the carotid pulse in the neck.
If conscious, their heart is usually beating.
Ask someone to seek medical help immediately.
Lay the person in the recovery position even if conscious, this slows absorption of the poison.
Take note of:
What caused the poisoning.
How much was ingested, inhaled, or contacted.
If you don’t have paper, take mental notes.
This information is critical for medical personnel.