Poisoning Is Not A Danger Confined To Children
One of the things parents dread most is to find out that their young child has gotten into the drain cleaner and eaten some; and poisoning in this way, through household chemicals, is common enough to affect approximately 1 million children each year. While children do make up a large percentage of those who have been poisoned, another million people of all ages also suffer poisoning incidents on a yearly basis. Most of the poisonings that affect children occur in the home, but adults can be poisoned in the workplace or while travelling if their vehicle’s exhaust system is not functioning properly. When a poisoning occurs, depending upon the symptoms presented, call the poison control hotline or 911.
Inhalation Poisoning
Much poisoning of this nature is caused by carbon monoxide. Carbon monoxide is an odorless gas that bonds with the hemoglobin in the blood making it impossible for oxygen to be delivered to the cells and tissues of the body – it causes suffocation in effect. This gas is produced whenever there is combustion, either by a vehicle engine, stove, furnace, or space heater. The fact that it cannot be easily detected is what makes this form of poisoning so insidious. Those who have been poisoned will often be fatigued, confused, irritable, and experience headaches, and dizziness. If carbon monoxide poisoning is suspected, get the affected person outside immediately. Administer CPR if the person is not breathing, and call 911.
Carbon monoxide is not the only inhalation poison, leaking gas from a cook range, fumes from solvents, or smoke can also cause problems. Combining certain cleaners, such as bleach and ammonia, will create nerve gas. The first step in helping with these will be to open windows, make sure that you are able to breathe properly, and then remove the victim to a safe location. Any difficulty in breathing will necessitate a call to 911.
Ingested Poisons
This can cover a very wide field of substances, but most will need intervention to preserve health and life. Poisonings can be caused by household detergents and cleaners, over-the-counter medications, prescription medicines, and illegal drugs. When presented with an ingestion poisoning, call poison control immediately. Have the container that the substance came out of in hand when you call (if possible), so that an accurate description can be given. You will then be given specific instructions on what to do. Lead poisoning is also possible if your home contains flaking paint.
The ingestion of poisons or substances that will act like poisons can manifest itself in a number of ways such as vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, convulsions, or coma. If the person is conscious, and is able to swallow, give them about 2 ounces of water to drink as this will help to dilute the poison in the stomach. Do not give syrup of ipecac or anything else to induce vomiting as this has been shown to be useless or counterproductive.
When a person is convulsing, try to get them onto a level surface before they fall and injure themselves further, and be sure to place a pillow under their head. As vomiting might be present, either turn the head to the side or put the person onto their side.
Poisons In The Eye
This can be a potentially very dangerous situation as not only can vision be affected, but poisons can also be absorbed into the body through mucus membranes such as those in the eye. If the person is wearing contact lenses, they should be removed, and the eye should be flushed with water for at least 15 minutes. Do not pump water directly onto the eyeball, but rather pour it so that it hits the eye obliquely. Depending upon the severity of the injury, either take the person to the hospital yourself or call for an ambulance.
Contact Poisons
Many poisons are caustic in nature and will burn the skin upon contact, especially acids or bases. Dry poisons, such as crystallized drain cleaners, can poison the skin as easily as liquids. Remove any clothing that has been contaminated by the poison, brush dry poisons away with a clean cloth, and then irrigate the area with water. If a shower is available, use that, otherwise use the sink tap if possible or a pitcher to flush the affected spot with water. Do not scrub at the area, this will only force the poison into the skin. Poisons can cause serious burns, or be absorbed into the body, so make sure that medical care is sought as quickly as possible. When helping someone who is suffering from a contact poison, make sure to avoid getting any of the substance on yourself.
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