Module 6

Poisoning

TR 6-1
 Module 6
Poisoning
Objectives:
Knowledge Objectives
After completing this module, participants will be able to -

1. Define and explain what Poison is.

2. Enumerate the different ways in which poison may

occur

TR 6-2
3. List down common household poison
4. Explain as to the meaning, causes and signs and
symptoms of the followings:
• Ingestion poison

• Inhaled poison

• Absorbed poison

• Injected poison

TR 6-3
 First Aid Visual Aids
Poisoning

POISON
Is any substance: solid, liquid or gas, that tends
to impair health or cause death when introduced
into the body or into the skin surface. A
poisoning emergency can be life threatening.

TR 6-4
 First Aid Visual Aids
Poisoning

TR 6-5
 First Aid Visual Aids
Poisoning

Ways in Which Poisoning May Occur

1. Ingestion – by mouth
2. Inhalation – by breathing
3. Injection – by animal bites, stings, syringes

4. Absorption – by skin contact

TR 6-6
 First Aid Visual Aids
Poisoning

INGESTED POISON
Is one that is introduced into the digestive tract by way of
the mouth.

TR 6-7
 First Aid Visual Aids
Poisoning

Signs and Symptoms

• Altered mental status.

• Burns around the mouth.

• Nausea, vomiting.

• Diarrhea

TR 6-8
 First Aid Visual Aids
Poisoning

First Aid for Ingested Poisoning

1. Call poison Control Center

2. Try to identify the poison

3. Place the victim on his or her left side.

4. Monitor ABCs.
5. Do not induce vomiting; if patient’s save any
vomitus and keep it with the victim if he or she is
taken to an emergency facility.

TR 6-9
 First Aid Visual Aids
Poisoning

6. If a responsive patient’s mouth or lips are burned

by a corrosive chemical, rinse the mouth with
cold water.

TR 6-10
 First Aid Visual Aids
Poisoning

INHALED POISON
Is a poison breathed into the lungs.

Signs and Symptoms

• History of inhaling poisons.
• Breathing difficulty.

• Chest pain.
• Ringing in the ears

TR 6-11
 First Aid Visual Aids
Poisoning

• Cyanosis (bluish discoloration of skin and

mucous membranes).
• Dizziness, headache.
• Seizures, unresponsiveness (advance
stages)

TR 6-12
 First Aid Visual Aids
Poisoning

First Aid for Inhaled Poisoning

1. Call Poison Control Center

2. Remove the victim form the toxic environment
and into fresh air immediately.

3. Monitor ABCs.

4. Seek medical attention.

TR 6-13
 First Aid Visual Aids
Poisoning

ABSORBED POISON
Is a poison that enters the body through the skin.

Signs and Symptoms

• History of exposures.
• Liquid or powder on the skin.
• Burns
• Itching, irritation.

• Redness, rash, blisters.

TR 6-14
 First Aid Visual Aids
Poisoning

First Aid for Absorption Poisoning

1. Call Poison Control Center

2. Remove the clothing. Then with a dry cloth blot the

poison from the skin. If the poison is a dry powder,
brush it off.

3. Flush the affected area with large amount of water,

for 20 minutes

4. Continually monitor the patient’s vital signs.

TR 6-15
 First Aid Visual Aids
Poisoning

INJECTED POISON
Is a poison that enters the body through a bite,
sting, or syringe.

Insect Bites
Signs and Symptoms
• Stinger may be present.
• Pain
• Swelling
• Possible allergic reaction.

TR 6-16
 First Aid Visual Aids
Poisoning

First Aid for Insect Bites

1. Remove stinger. If the sting is in the mouth or

throat give patient an ice cube or cold water to sip.

2. Wash wound.
3. Cover the wound.
4. Apply a cold pack.

5. Watch for signals of allergic reaction.

6. Care for Shock and monitor ABC.

TR 6-17
 First Aid Visual Aids
Poisoning

Marine Life Stings

Signs and Symptoms

• Possible marks
• Pain

• Swelling
• Possible allergic reaction.

TR 6-20
 First Aid Visual Aids
Poisoning

First Aid for Marine Life stings

1. Call Poison Control Center

2. Soak or flush area in vinegar/rubbing alcohol.

3. If sea urchin – soak in non scalding hot water until
pain goes away. or 30 minutes.

4. Clean and bandage the wound.

5. Transfer patient to the hospital

TR 6-21