Poisoning Part 5 - Chapter 16

Poisoning A poison is any substance that causes injury, illness, or death when introduced into the body. Can be accidental or intentional The severity depends on: Type and amount Time that has elapsed since the poison entered the body Person’s age, size, weight, and medical conditions Try to find out: Type and quantity of poison When it was taken How much the person weighs

General Care for Poisonings Remove the person from the source of poison if the scene is dangerous Check consciousness and breathing Ask questions to get more information Look for any containers and/or packaging Call National Poison Control Center Hotline Poison Control Center (PCC) - Specialized health centers that provide information on poisons and suspected poisoning emergencies

Types of Poisoning Ingested poisons - poisons that are swallowed and include food, drugs, medications, and household items Inhaled poisons - breathed into the lungs and include gases or fumes Absorbed poisons - enter through the skin or mucous membranes in the eyes, nose, and mouth and can come from plants, chemicals, and medications Injected poisons - enter through bites or stings of certain insects, spiders, aquatic life, animals, and snakes, or as drugs through a hypodermic needle