1 Get information
2Summon help
3Monitor victim
56 FIRST AID
Swallowed poisons
Poisoning can occur as a result of swallowing toxic chemicals or poisonous plants, or by overdosing on recreational or medicinal drugs. Seek immediate medical assistance and provide the emergency services with as much information as possible about the poisoning, including the type of substance that was swallowed, the amount, and when.
SIGNS & SYMPTOMS
• Pain in the abdomen or chest
• Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea
• Breathing difficulties
• Dizziness
TREATING SWALLOWED POISONS
1 Get information
• If the victim is conscious, ask her what poison she has swallowed.
• Look around her for signs of bottles or containers.
Ask victim for details of poisoning
2Summon help
• Dial 911 or call EMS.
• Tell the dispatcher what you think the victim has swallowed.
3Monitor victim
• Monitor the victim’ s breathing( p. 68 for an adult, p. 71 for a child or baby), pulse( p. 68 for an adult, p. 70 for a child or baby), and level of consciousness( p. 12) every 10 minutes until help arrives.
• Watch for signs of deterioration.
• If alcohol poisoning is a possibility, cover the victim with a blanket.
!
Important
• Do not try to induce vomiting.
• Some poisons can cause anaphylactic shock. Look for warning signs( p. 28).
• If the victim loses consciousness, open her airway, check her breathing, and be prepared
to begin resuscitation( pp. 12 – 20).
• If you need to give rescue breaths to a victim who has swallowed a corrosive poison,
protect yourself by using a face shield( see below).
Place the shield on the victim’ s face, with the filter over her mouth