Poisoning
Poisoning
Poisoning occurs when a damaging solid, liquid or gas enters the body. It can enter through:
- Swallowing
- Breathing
- Absorbing through the skin
- Injection
A poison can be corrosive; such as bleach. or it can be non-corrosive such as tablets or drugs.
Signs & Symptoms
- Nausea or vomiting
- Burning (internal or external)
- Unconsciousness
Treatment
Treatment for a corrosive substances:
- Make sure you are safe from the poison. If the substance is on the casualty’s skin, wash it away with water.
- If the poison has been swallowed and the casualty doesn’t feel sick, allow them to rinse out their mouth and sip milk or water.
- Call 999/112.
- If the casualty becomes unconscious open their airway and check breathing. Perform CPR if necessary and use a face shield. If breathing, put them into recovery position.
Treatment for non-corrosive substances:
- Call 999/112.
- If the casualty becomes unconscious open their airway and check breathing.
- Perform CPR if necessary and use a face shield. If breathing, put them into recovery position.
- It is helpful to gather any information about the poison, when it happened, how much was taken and any vomit samples that could be used for analysis.
Treatment for inhalation of fumes:
- Move casualty to fresh air (if safe for you to do so).
- Check airway and breathing, if the casualty is unconscious put them into the recovery position.
- Call 999/112.
- If the casualty is conscious, continue to monitor airway and start CPR if necessary.
Medical Emergencies
Menu
