❤️‍🩹First Aid Unit 10 – Poisoning and Substance Abuse Emergencies

Common Poisons and Substances of Abuse

• Household cleaning products contain toxic chemicals (bleach, ammonia, drain cleaners)
• Pesticides and herbicides used in gardening and agriculture are highly poisonous
• Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless gas that can cause severe poisoning
  • Produced by incomplete combustion of fossil fuels (gas stoves, furnaces, car exhaust)
• Prescription medications taken in excessive doses lead to poisoning
  • Opioids (OxyContin, Vicodin), benzodiazepines (Xanax, Valium), and stimulants (Adderall, Ritalin) are commonly abused
• Illicit drugs such as heroin, cocaine, and methamphetamine pose a high risk of overdose and poisoning
• Alcohol is a widely abused substance that can cause acute poisoning and long-term health effects
• Certain plants and mushrooms contain toxic compounds that can cause severe illness or death if ingested

Signs and Symptoms of Poisoning

• Nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain are common early symptoms of ingested poisons
• Difficulty breathing, wheezing, or coughing may indicate inhalation of toxic substances
• Altered mental status, confusion, and drowsiness suggest central nervous system involvement
  • In severe cases, seizures or loss of consciousness can occur
• Burning sensation or pain in the mouth, throat, or stomach may result from corrosive substances
• Unusual odors on the breath or clothing can provide clues to the specific poison involved
• Skin irritation, rashes, or burns may develop from contact with certain poisons
• Excessive sweating, salivation, or tearing (lacrimation) are signs of cholinergic poisoning (organophosphates, carbamates)

Initial Assessment and Triage

• Assess the scene for safety and identify any ongoing exposure to the poison
• Determine the route of exposure (ingestion, inhalation, injection, or skin contact)
• Establish the type of poison involved if possible (ask the patient, look for containers or labels)
• Check the patient's responsiveness and vital signs (pulse, breathing, blood pressure)
  • If the patient is unresponsive or has severe symptoms, call emergency services immediately
• Determine the time of exposure and estimate the amount of poison involved
• Assess for any co-ingestions or underlying medical conditions that may complicate treatment
• Provide supportive care and monitor the patient's condition while awaiting further medical help

First Aid for Ingested Poisons

• Call a poison control center or emergency services for guidance
• If the patient is conscious and able to swallow, administer activated charcoal as directed
  • Activated charcoal binds to many poisons and reduces absorption in the gut
• Do not induce vomiting unless instructed to do so by a healthcare professional
  • Vomiting can cause further harm, especially with corrosive or petroleum-based substances
• If the poison is a corrosive substance (acids, alkalis), rinse the mouth with water and give small sips of water or milk to dilute the poison
• Monitor the patient's vital signs and level of consciousness
• Be prepared to perform CPR if the patient becomes unresponsive or stops breathing

First Aid for Inhaled Poisons

• Move the patient to fresh air and away from the source of the toxic fumes
• Loosen tight clothing and ensure an open airway
• If the patient is not breathing, perform rescue breathing or CPR as needed
• Administer supplemental oxygen if available and trained to do so
• Monitor the patient's respiratory status and watch for signs of respiratory distress
  • Wheezing, coughing, or difficulty breathing may indicate bronchospasm or pulmonary edema
• Keep the patient warm and comfortable while awaiting further medical help
• If the inhaled substance is known, provide this information to emergency responders

First Aid for Substance Overdose

• Call emergency services immediately if you suspect an overdose
• Check the patient's responsiveness and vital signs
• If the patient is unresponsive, check for a pulse and begin CPR if needed
• If the patient is responsive, try to keep them awake and talking
• Place the patient in the recovery position to prevent aspiration if they are drowsy but breathing
• If an opioid overdose is suspected and naloxone is available, administer it as directed
  • Naloxone (Narcan) is an opioid antagonist that can reverse the effects of an opioid overdose
• Gather any medication containers or substances that may have been used to help identify the cause of the overdose
• Monitor the patient closely and be prepared to provide further first aid until help arrives

When to Call Emergency Services

• If the patient is unresponsive, having difficulty breathing, or showing signs of severe distress
• When the poison or substance involved is unknown or highly toxic
• If the patient has a seizure, loses consciousness, or has severe pain or burning
• When multiple people are affected by the same poison or substance
• If the patient's condition worsens despite first aid measures
• When in doubt about the severity of the situation or the appropriate course of action
• If the patient has any underlying medical conditions that may complicate treatment
• When the poisoning is a result of a suicide attempt or intentional self-harm

Prevention and Safety Measures

• Store all medications, cleaning products, and toxic substances in their original containers and out of reach of children and pets
• Use child-resistant caps on medication bottles and keep them locked away when not in use
• Install carbon monoxide detectors in homes and workplaces, especially near sleeping areas
• Wear appropriate protective equipment (gloves, masks, eyewear) when handling toxic substances
• Read and follow all labels and safety instructions when using chemicals or medications
• Dispose of unused or expired medications properly through designated take-back programs or as directed by a pharmacist
• Educate family members and caregivers about the signs and symptoms of poisoning and how to respond
• Keep the poison control center phone number (1-800-222-1222 in the United States) readily available in case of an emergency