1. Poisoning
Part 5 - Chapter 16

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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