Page 176 - (DK) Home Doctor: Providing practical advice on home treatments

174 FIRST AID

Swallowed poisons

If a poisonous substance is swallowed it can harm the mouth and
WARNING
digestive tract; it may also get into the bloodstream and cause
further damage. Household products such as bleach, dishwasher Call the Poison Control Center
800-222-1222 (US) 800-268-9017 (Can)
detergent, and paint stripper contain strong chemicals that are
A person who has swallowed a poison
poisonous, and many medicines are harmful if taken in excessive
needs emergency medical attention.
doses. Some plants and fungi are poisonous if eaten. The effects
of poisoning vary, but there may be vomiting, a burning sensation
or pain in the esophagus or abdomen, and loss of consciousness.

PRACTICAL TECHNIQUE

Dealing with swallowed poisons
The most important step is to arrange medical help. Try to
find out what poison was taken, and be ready to resuscitate Wipe the mouth
if the victim becomes unconscious or stops breathing. carefully to remove
traces of poison
CAUTION: Do not try to make the victim vomit, since this could
do further harm. If he or she has swallowed a corrosive poison,
it will burn the throat again if it is vomited up.

Call the Poison Control Center. Try to find out what Remove any
substance was swallowed and how much has been contaminated
1 consumed. Tell the operator; these details will help 2 clothing and wipe
doctors decide on treatment. If the victim can’t tell away any remaining
you what he or she has taken, look for any empty poison from around the
bottles or other items that might suggest what has mouth. Be careful not
been consumed; keep them to show the doctor. to get any poison on
uncontaminated areas
If the lips are burned from a corrosive or on your own skin.
chemical, give sips of cold
3 milk or water to soothe
the mouth and throat.
Reassure the victim.
If alcohol poisoning is
a possibility, cover the If the victim becomes unconscious
victim with a blanket (see p.168), open the mouth and
so that he or she doesn’t 4 gently remove any substances that
become too cold. you can see. If breathing, put him
or her in the recovery position (see
Encourage the p.169). Monitor and record the pulse,
victim to take breathing, and level of response
small, frequent
sips of cold milk regularly. Be prepared to perform
or water CPR (see pp.170–171) if necessary.