A poison can be described as any substance (solid, liquid, or gas) that causes damage when it enters the body in a sufficient quantity.

Poisons can enter the body in 4 ways, they can be:

Ingested

Swallowed, either accidentally or on purpose.

Inhaled

Breathed in, accessing the bloodstream very quickly as it passes through the alveoli.

Absorbed

Through the skin.

Injected

Through the skin, directly into tissues or a blood vessel.

A poison can either be:

Corrosive

Such as acids, bleach, ammonia, petrol, turpentine, dishwasher powder, etc.

OR

Non-Corrosive

Such as tablets, drugs, alcohol, plants, perfume, etc.

Possible signs and symptoms

The signs and symptoms of poisoning are wide, varied, and dependent on the substance. Look for clues such as

• Containers or bottles.
• Syringe or drug taking equipment.
• Tablets or drugs.
• Smell on the breath.
• Other signs that can accompany poisoning may be
• Vomiting or retching.
• Abdominal pains.
• Burns (or burning sensation) around the entry area.
• Breathing problems.
• Confusion or hallucination.
• Headache.
• Unconsciousness, sometimes fitting.
• Cyanosis.

Treatment

For a corrosive substance

• Don’t endanger yourself – make sure it’s safe to help.
• Dilute the substance or wash it away if possible.
• Substances on the skin – see chemical burns.
• Ingested Substances – get the casualty to rinse out their mouth, then give frequent sips of milk or water.
• Dial 999 for an ambulance. Give information about the poison if possible. Take advice from the ambulance operator.

If the casualty becomes unconscious.

• Open the Airway and check for Breathing.
• Resuscitate as necessary using a protective face-shield.
• If the casualty is breathing effectively, place them in the recovery position.
• Dial 999 for an ambulance.

For a non-corrosive substance

• Dial 999 for an ambulance.
• Give information about the poison if possible.
• Take advice from the ambulance operator.
• If the casualty becomes unconscious.
• Open the Airway and check for Breathing.
• Resuscitate as necessary using a protective face shield.
• If the casualty is breathing effectively, place them in the recovery position.
• Dial 999 for an ambulance.

Never do any of the following

NEVER make the patient vomit. This may put the airway in danger.

It helps the Paramedics if you

• Pass on any containers or other information about the substances involved.
• Find out how much has been taken.
• Find out when it was taken.
• Keep samples of any vomit for hospital analysis.