~ Poisoning ~

How The Poisons Enter The Body ?
Poisons can enter the body in a number of ways either accidentally or intentionally.

• Through the mouth by eating or drinking poisonous substances.
• through the lung by inhaling house hold or industrial gases ( not north sea gas, it is not poisonous ), chemical vapors or fumes from fires, stoves and petrol, engine exhausts.
• By injection into skin as the result of bites from some animals, insects, poisonous fish or reptiles or by hypodermic syringe.
• By absorption through the skin through contact with poisonous sprays such as pesticides and insecticides.

1. Quickly ask the conscious casualty what has happened , remember that the casualty may lose consciousness at any time.
   Do Not attempt to induct vomiting. If the lips or mouth show sings of burning, cool them by giving the casualty water or milk to drink.
2. If the casualty is unconscious, but breathing normally, place in the recovery position.
3. If the breathing and heartbeat stop, begin resuscitation immediately. NB
   Take care not to contaminate yourself with any poison that may be around the casualty's mouth.
4. Remove to hospital immediately. Send any samples of vomit and containers such as bottles or pill boxes found nearby to the hospital with the casualty. Food poisoning
   This is caused by food contaminated by bacteria and being stored or cooked incorrectly. The most common bacteria are, staphylococci, which multiply in the food and produce a poisonous substance ( toxin ) or salmonellae, which multiply in the bowel and cause a dysentery like illness.
   Salmonella is infectious and can be passed thorough poor personal and kitchen hygiene.
   

   Symptoms and Sine's

   staphylococcal poisoning
   These symptoms and sings will appear within two to six hours of eating the contaminated food.
   

   • Casualty will nauseated and may already be vomiting.
   • Casualty may be suffering from abdominal pain and may have a headache.
   • Diarrhea may develop at a later stage.
   • Symptoms and sings of shock.
    

   Salmonella poisoning
   The symptoms and sings of salmonella poisoning may appear within a few hours of eating the foot or be delayed for a day or two.

   • Casualty develops a fever.
   • Casualty will be suffering from diarrhea.
   • Casualty may feel nauseated and begin vomiting.
   • Casualty may be suffering from abdominal pain.
   • Symptoms and sings of shock.
    

   Treatment
   See general treatment of poisons.

   1. Keep the casualty at rest.
   2. Give the casualty plenty of fluids.
   3. If in doubt about the casualty's condition, arrange removal to hospital.
    

   Drug Poisoning
   This condition caused by accidental overdose or drug abuse.
   

   Symptoms and Sine's
   

   • These will vary according to the drug and the quantity taken.
   • Vomit will expected.
   • The pupils of eyes may be abnormally dilated or contracted.
    

   Treatment
   

   1. Follow the general treatment for poisoning.
   2. Arrange urgent removal to hospital.
   3. Be prepared to resuscitate.
   4. Take with you to hospital the poison container.
    

   Snake Bites
   

   • Snakebites require special care.
   • The symptoms and sings of poisoning may take several hours to develop.
    

   Symptoms and Sine's
   

   • A noticeable bite on the skin this may appear as nothing more than a discoloration.
   • Pain and swelling in the area of the bite.
   • Rapid pulse and labored breathing.
   • Progressive general weakness.
   • Vision problems ( dim or blurred ).
   • Nausea and vomiting.
   • Convulsions.
   • Drowsiness or unconsciousness.
    

   First Aid for Snakebites
   

   1. Keep the patient calm.
   2. Treat for shock, conserve body heat.
   3. Contact the poison control center.
   4. locate the fang marks and clean this site with soap and water.
   5. Remove any tinges, bracelets, or other constricting items on the bitten extremity.
   6. Keep any bitten extremities immobilized the application of a splint will help try to keep the bite at the level of the heart, or when this is not possible, below the level of the heart.
   7. Apply a light constricting band above and below the wound. This is to restrict the flow of lymph, not the flow of blood.
   8. Transport the patient, carefully monitoring vital Sings.
   
   
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