Poisoning is caused by the ingestion, breathing in, injecting or general exposure to harmful substances. In most cases poisoning occur as a result of an accident. Its occurrence is a huge threat to life, and cases that are not attended to immediately may result to death. First aid therefore becomes very vital when it comes to poisoning emergencies.
Each year, there are millions of poisoning cases that are reported world over. This has therefore made it vital that people get to understand what poisoning is, and also equip themselves with the vital knowledge that surrounds the first aid administered during a poisoning emergency.
Symptoms of poisoning.
Some of the common signs that cut across different kinds of poisoning include breath that imitates chemicals or paint thinner, burns or redness around the mouth and lips. This is common in cases where the poisoning is through ingestion of poison. Other significant indicators include vomiting, shortness of breath and drowsiness.
Causes of poisoning.
There are a number of items, mostly chemical in nature, that can cause poisoning when consumed or through exposure. Most notable, with the highest reported cases are carbon monoxide gas. This is a gas that is easily generated within the human living environment. It is a product of partial combustion of the carbon containing fuels. Some chemicals from our work places are poisonous when misused. The threat is real with those who work in laboratories and production plants.
Both legal and illicit drugs can turn out to be poisonous when in appropriately consumed. An overdose of the over the counter drugs can easily kill an individual through poisoning. These include even the simple painkillers and aspirin.
Paints, insecticides and the home cleaning detergents are items that should be carefully stored and used under supervision as they too are quite poisonous. In the homes, these items need to be far away from easy access, especially by children.
First aid.
First aid is administered differently depending on the kind of poisoning in question. When one has been poisoned through swallowing of the poison, the first step is to check whether the individual is breathing properly. If not, then it is necessary that rescue breathing is started immediately. One should also determine if the case is actually of poisoning. This is done through the identification of the symptoms that are listed above. If possible, the person should try and identify the poison as this makes it easier to treat.
The first aid should not involve in any way involve the inducing of vomit. In case the individual involuntarily vomits, his airways should be checked to ensure that breathing is not compromised. Keep the person comfortable and get rid of any spilled poison around.
When one is poisoned through inhalation, the steps taken for first aid get to change a little bit. It is vital that one gets to notify others before embarking on the rescue and first aid. Once the safety of the first aider is ensured, he can then go into the rescue. Take a deep breath before getting into the room. Once in, ensure that you open all doors and windows to let in as much fresh air as possible. One should ensure that there are no naked flames as some gases are flammable.
Finally, as the individual is removed from the area for fresh air, professional help should be sought immediately.