Premergency First Aid, CPR and AED Manual

9 Other Emergencies

Ingested poison • Wear gloves. Use a CPR shield or pocket mask if providing artificial respirations. • Wipe away any residue from the patient’s face. Have the patient rinse their mouth if conscious. Otherwise, wipe any residue from the mouth. • Do not give the patient anything to drink unless advised by the poison control centre. • Do not make the patient vomit unless advised by the poison control centre. • Provide first aid for shock.

Since poison can affect the ABCs, mental status, and consciousness, all the signs and symptoms associated with difficulty breathing, circulatory and heart problems, neurological problems and abdominal problems can be present in a poisoning patient. Follow all instructions from the poison control centre. Treat the patient as for the signs and symptoms. Be aware of the specifics of aid for different types of poison shown below. Each province and territory has a poison information number. This number is listed in beginning of telephone directories with the other emergency services.

372

www.preohs.com