First-Aid for Poisoning - The Police Notebook

04-28-97 08-14-95
		Most poisonings are preventable, and every effort should be made to poison-proof your home. However, if someone in your home is exposed to a poison the following information is intended to help you do the right thing as quickly as possible. Keep Calm Act quickly. Action is the most important factor in first aid if you suspect poisoning. Before You Call for Help: Poisonous Fumes or Gases Immediately carry or drag the person to fresh air. Minimize your exposure to the fumes. If the victim is not breathing, start artificial respiration immediately and continue it until the victim is breathing or help arrives. Send someone for help as quickly as possible. Poisons on the skin Brush off any dry poisons and flood the involved parts with large amounts of plain water. Then wash the skin with bar soap and water and rinse. Remove and discard all affected clothing. Poisons in the Eye Pour water from a glass on the bridge of the patient's eye and allow water to flood the eye gently for 15 minutes. Use plain lukewarm water. Do not allow the victim to rub his/her eyes. Swallowed Poisons/Medications Look into the victim's mouth and remove all tablets, powder or any material that is present. Examine the mouth for cuts, burns, swelling, unusual coloring or odor. Rinse and wipe out the mouth with a cloth. Calling for Help Call the Oklahoma Poison Control Center or your doctor. Oklahoma Poison Control Center 1-800-222-1222 [TTY/TDD] (If you live outside Oklahoma, this 1-800 number will connect you to your nearest local poison control center.) When calling the Poison Control Center. Identify yourself and give your relationship to the patient. Give your phone number in case your call is disconnected. Describe the patient by name, age and weight. If Possible, have the container or poison in your hand and identify as best you can: What was taken? When was it taken? How much was taken? How is the patient acting? Be prepared to answer any questions asked. Follow the advice given by the Poison Control Center or doctor. How to Produce Vomiting Ipecac is a plant extract that when swallowed causes vomiting. Vomiting will remove the poison from the stomach. There are very few instances where Ipecac would be recommended by a doctor or Poison Control Center; —NEVER use Ipecac without the advice of a doctor or the Poison Control Center. Remember: Never produce vomiting unless instructed to do so! This is especially important if the patient has swallowed petroleum products such as gasoline, cleaning fluids and lighter fluids. Never produce vomiting if the patient: Is drowsy or unconscious. Is having convulsions (fits). Has swallowed a strong corrosive such as Drano, Liquid Plumber or acids. If this occurs, give liquids only. Caution Antidotes that are recommended on many product labels might be outdated or incorrect. In addition, salt water, mustard and water and many other home remedies are ineffective and may be dangerous. DON'T USE THEM. Don't give the patient coffee, alcohol, stimulants or other drugs. Remember Call a doctor or the Poison Control Center before you induce vomiting. Give Ipecac ONLY as directed by the Poision Control Center or your doctor. It may save your child's life. The Poison Control Center located in Children's Hospital of Oklahoma is staffed by pharmacists who provide 24 hour emergency medical information on toxicology to the public and health-care professionals. It also sponsors poison education materials and lectures. The text content of this web page is based on information contained in an Oklahoma Poison Center publication, "First Aid for Poisoning" published by the University of Oklahoma and available in brochure form created by The University of Oklahoma College of Pharmacy at the OU Medical Center.

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