Premergency First Aid, CPR and AED Manual

9 Other Emergencies

Signs and Symptoms of Poisoning • Sometimes the history of the incident (the mechanism of injury or the nature of illness) cannot be determined and the type and amount of poison absorbed is not known. Although poisons have a broad range of effects, certain characteristics can be attributed to how the poison was absorbed. • A poison that has been swallowed or ingested will typically cause nausea and vomiting. There may be signs of the poison/substance around the mouth or on the hands, such as residue, staining, swelling or blistering. There may be a chemical or otherwise abnormal odour on the patient’s breath. • A poison/substance that has been breathed in or inhaled will typically cause breathing problems. • A poison that absorbs through the skin or on contact will typically cause a reaction such as reddening, swelling, hives, blisters, or burns. • A poison that is injected typically shows irritation at the injection site.

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