First Aid procedures: poisoning

(See bottom of page for Food poisoning procedures)

What is it?

A poisonous substance can damage the body, temporarily or permanently. It can be taken accidentally, for example by a child, or intentionally, as in attempted suicide. Alcohol and drugs can function as poisons in certain circumstances.

What can you do?

Assume ALL cleaning products are potentially poisonous, keep them locked away or out of reach of children. Many poisonous products offer specific advice on the label on how to treat accidental swallowing of the contents and some have a number you can call for advice

The most important piece of advice is NEVER put poisons into other bottles, especially soft drink bottles

If anyone has taken any of the following, very toxic substances, you should dial 999 immediately.

• Anti freeze
• Oven cleaner
• Dishwashing powder, tablets or liquid
• Herbicides and insecticides
• Petrol or petrol derivatives.

Bleach and chemicals

If someone has swallowed chemicals, you may notice some around his mouth or be able to smell it on his breath. Some bleach will cause burning around the mouth and lips and possible discoloration of the lips. If you suspect this has happened, wipe away any excess from the skin, give him sips of water or milk to drink (do NOT make the person vomit). Find out what the chemical was and seek medical advice. If you need to take the person for hospital treatment, take the suspected bottle of chemical with you.

Potentially toxic

Including detergents, bleach disinfectants, nail varnish remover and toilet cleaning blocks. Yes the type that sits under your toilet rim, to some children it smells nice and is an appealing colour. Our advice is to always seek medical advice if your child has taken any of these.

Drug Poisoning

Children are attracted to tablets and medicines and mistake them for sweets or fruit juice. If you suspect someone has swallowed drugs, you should try and find out what he has taken and in what quantity. Seek medical advice immediately. Do not make the person vomit or give him anything to drink until you have received medical advice.

Questions and Answers

Q. How can I accurately guess how many tablets have been swallowed?

A. Count the number of tablets remaining in the container and try and base your guess on how many was in there originally. If the medicine was in liquid form, use the same approach.

Q. Why do I not give the person anything to drink until I have sought medical advice?

A. If someone has swallowed tablets, fluids will dissolve them more quickly in his stomach which means the drug will enter his blood stream faster and may put him at greater risk.

The basics of the treatment of poisoning are as follows:

Find out

• What the person took
• What time did he take it
• How much did he swallow
• Reassure the person
• Seek medical advice
• Take the bottle of poison, or tablets with you to hospital. If the person has been sick take a sample of vomit with you in case it needs to be analysed

Food poisoning

Casualties with food poisoning normally need rest and plenty of fluids to rehydrate them.

What is it?

Badly prepared, incorrectly stored or incorrectly cooked food produces bacteria and toxins. These cause inflammation of the gut.

Alcohol and drugs can function as poisons in certain circumstances.

Symptoms

• Abdominal cramps
• Nausea and vomiting
• Diarrhoea
• Dehydration
• Chills and fever

First aid aims

• Encourage the casualty to take plenty of fluids
• Seek medical advice if necessary

Actions

• Rehydrate casualty with plenty of fluids
• Encourage casualty to rest
• Seek medical advice if necessary
• Watch to see if condition worsens or there are symptoms of shock

Further action

If the casualty's condition worsens, call 999.

The British Red Cross last medically reviewed this article in December 2009.