1. PLANT AND ANIMAL EMERGENCIES

2. Classifications Toxin A poison made by a living creature, whether plant or animal Poison Can come from a living creature or from chemicals and substances that are not from living things Venom A specific toxin or poisonous secretion of an animal, mostly snakes, spiders, or scorpions

3. Plants Toxic To The Skin Usually results in a localized inflammatory/allergic response Symptoms Mild case often consists of a rash Itching Inflammation Some pain Severe cases can result in Anaphylactic Shock

4. Examples

5. Plants Toxic When Ingested Toxins transferred to the body through the digestive system/stomach lining Symptoms Nausea and vomiting Cardiac effects Neurological effects Hallucinations Seizures

6. Examples Monkshood If eaten, causes nausea and ingestion, and neurological effects Lilly of the Valley If Ingested, causes nausea, vomiting, headache, and fatal arrhythmias

7. Examples Yew Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea. Can progress to shortness of breath, muscle spasms, cardiovascular collapse Water Hemlock Nausea and vomiting, followed by neurological effects such as slowed speech, poor coordination, paralysis

8. Examples Rhododendron Nausea and vomiting, bloody diarrhea, seizures, unresponsiveness, death Belladona Nausea, dry mouth, dizziness, visual disturbance, agitation

9. Poisonous Mushrooms Three categories of mushrooms dangerous to humans: Amanitas False Morels “Little Brown Mushrooms” (LBMs) Symptoms Nausea/Vomiting Neurological Effects Hallucination

10. Amanitas Primarily neurological toxic effects, produce auditory and visual disturbances, loss of equilibrium False Morels Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, severe headaches Little Brown Mushrooms Effects vary from mild nausea to hallucinations

11. Spiders Black Widow Spider A Black Widow bite will swell and can spread to entire limb. Effects include nausea, abdominal pain, fever, sweating, paralysis Brown Recluse Spider Venom from bite can destroy walls of blood vessels, causing localized tissue death Wolf Spider Localized pain and swelling, symptoms of nausea and headache can also occur

12. Insects Ticks Deer Tick Transmits Lyme disease Wood Tick and Dog Tick Can transmit Rock Mountain Spotted Fever Bees, Wasps, Hornets Pain and localized swelling In severe cases, anaphylaxis and death Mosquitoes, Fleas, Biting Flies Ants

13. Snakes Rattlesnake Brown with checkered or diamond pattern Bites destroy tissue, cause blood clotting, w/o treatment are potentially fatal Coral Snake Brightly colored bands Venom is a potent neurotoxin that can lead to paralysis and respiratory failure

14. Marine Animals Sharks Moray Eel Stingray Jellyfish Biting Fish Spiny Aquatic Animals

15. Mammals Injuries from these animals can lead to soft-tissue damage and in severe cases, internal injuries or broken bones. Domestic and wild dogs Domestic and wild cats Pack animals Rodents Bats Moose, Elk, Deer, Bison Bear

16. Assessment and Treatment Assessment Scene safety (don’t fight the bear to get to the patient) LOR and ABCDs After primary assessment, SAMPLE and DCAP-BTLS IMPORTANT to find any allergies (e.g., bee stings) Keep re-evaluating ABCDs and checking for signs of shock

17. Plant Injuries Assessment Look for gastrointestinal upset, abdominal pain, muscle aches Altered Mental Status Hallucinogenic effects Management Supportive care Call 911 for poison control (especially if you can identify the plant)

18. Insect/Animal Injuries Assessment Look for rash, pale skin, or swelling Bite marks Temperature of skin (fever or chills) Management Control bleeding Wash bites in clean water Watch for infection Splint fractures and consider any possible spine injury

19. Snake Bites Immediate evacuation Constant evaluation of ABCDs, shock Wrap the limb, proximal to distal- to the fang mark Physical exertion will enhance spread of poison DO NOT: suck the poison out, use a tourniquet, use ice Marine Animals For Bites: Control bleeding, rapid transport Jellyfish stings Prevent spread of stinging chemicals Pain relief