Premergency First Aid, CPR and AED Manual

9 Other Emergencies

Poisons and toxins are classed by how they enter the body: • Ingested – Absorbed through the mouth, throat, stomach, and bowel. • Inhaled – Absorbed through the airway and the lungs. • Contact – Absorbed through the skin or mucous membrane. • Injected – Introduced through a needle or similar (snake or spider bite). Besides giving aid for the associated effects, first aid for poison focuses on identifying the poison/substance and contacting your local poison control centre for specific first aid advice. (see phone number on next page) Gather information from the scene and the history of the incident (SAMPLE) so you are able to answer the questions of the poison control centre. Follow any instructions they give you.

A poison can enter the body much like an allergen can, and many of the associated complications of severe allergic reaction can be seen in poisoning. Airway, breathing, and circulation problems, altered mental status, and altered level of consciousness can all occur with poisoning, as can many permanent disabilities or other complications causing death.

poison symbol

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