2. Introduction
Poisons are the harmful substances and when sufficient doses are taken
may kill a person.
They may be consumed
Accidently ( by mistake or by ignorance )
For suicidal purpose
Intentionally for killing enemies
3. Routes of taking poisons
Eating or drinking poisonous substances by mouth.
Inhaling household or industrial gases, chemical vapours, or fumes from
fire, and exhaust by lungs.
By injection into the skin as a result of bites from some animals, insects,
snakes or by hypodermic syringes.
Absorption through the skin by contact with poisonous sprays such as
pesticides and insecticides.
4. Mechanism of action of poison
Swallowed poison, act directly on the food passages resulting in vomiting,
pain and diarrhoea.
Corrosive poisons may severely burn the lips, mouth, gullet and stomach
thus causing intense pain.
Fumes and gases cause chocking which may result in difficulty of breathing
and unconsciousness.
5. Swallowed poisons
Chemicals that are swallowed may harm the digestive tract, or cause more
widespread damage if they enter the bloodstream and are transported to
other parts of the body.
Hazardous chemical include common household substances. For example,
bleach, dishwasher detergent, and paint stripper are poisonous or
corrosive if swallowed. Drugs, weather they are prescribed or bought over
the counter, are also potentially harmful if they are taken in overdose. The
effects of poisoning depend on the substance that has been swallowed.
6. If the casualty is conscious, ask her what she has swallowed, and try to reassure her.
Dial 108 or ambulance. Give as much as information as possible about the swallowed
poison. This information will assist doctors to give appropriate treatment once the
casualty reaches hospital.
7. Inhaled gases
Inhaling chemical fumes or sprays is potentially harmful and may lead to
breathing problems, confusion, and collapse.
Some factories use gases that are harmful if they are inhaled accidentally.
Dial 108 or ambulance. Ask for both fire and ambulance services. If the
casualty’s clothing is still burning, try to extinguish the flames.
If it is necessary to escape from the source of fumes, move the casualty into
fresh air.
Support the casualty and encourage him to breathe normally. Treat any
obvious burns or other injuries.
Stay with the casualty until the help arrives. Monitor and record vital signs-
level of response, pulse, and breathing.
8. Drug poisoning
Poisoning can result from an overdose of either prescribed drugs that are
bought over the counter. It can also be caused by drug abuse or drug
interaction.
The effects vary depending on the type of drug and how it is taken. When
you call the emergency services, give as much information as possible.
While waiting for help to arrive, look for container that might help you to
identify the drug.
9. If the casualty is conscious help him into a comfortable position and ask what he has
taken. Reassure him while you talk to him.
Dial 108 or ambulance. Monitor or record vital sign- level of consciousness, pulse,
breathing until medical help arrive.
Keep samples of any vomited material. Look for evidence that might help to identify the
drug, such as empty containers. Give these samples and containers to the paramedics or
ambulance person.
10. Alcohol poisoning
Alcohol is a drug that depresses the activity of the central nervous system-
in particular brain.
There are several risks to the casualty from alcohol poisoning:
An unconscious casualty risks inhaling and choking on vomit
Alcohol widens the blood vessels. This means that the body loses heat, and
hypothermia may develop.
A casualty who smells of alcohol may be misdiagnosed and not receive
appropriate treatment for an underlying cause of unconsciousness, such as
a head injury, stroke, heart attack.
11. Cover the casualty with a coat or blanket to protect him from the cold
Assess the casualty for any injuries, especially head injuries, or other medical condition.
Monitor and record vital sign- level of response, pulse, and breathing- until the casualty
recovers or is placed in the care of responsible person.
If the casualty’s condition worsens dial 108 or ambulance.
12. Food poisoning
This is usually caused by consuming food or drink that is contaminated
with bacteria or viruses. Some food poisoning is caused by poisons from
bacteria already in the food.
One of the dangers of food poisoning is loss of body fluids. The
dehydration that results from this fluid loss can be serious if the fluids are
not replaced quickly enough.
Dehydration is especially serious in the very young and the very old, and in
some cases, treatment may be required in hospital
13. Advise the casualty to lie down and rest. Help her if necessary.
Give the casualty plenty of bland fluids to drink and a bowl to use if she vomits. Call a
doctor for advise.
If the casualty’s condition worsens dial 108 or ambulance.
14. Insect sting
Usually, a sting from a bee, wasp, or hornet is painful rather than
dangerous. An initial sharp pain is followed by mild swelling, redness, and
soreness.
However, multiple insect stings can produce a serious reaction. A sting in
the mouth or throat is potentially dangerous because swelling can obstruct
the airway.
With any bite or sting, it is important to watch for signs of an allergic
reaction, which may lead to anaphylactic shock.
15. Reassure the casualty. If the sting is visible, brush or scrape it off sideways with your
fingernail or the blunt edge of a knife. Do not use tweezers because more poison may be
injected into the casualty.
Raise the affected part if possible, and apply an ice pack or cold compress. Advise the
casualty to see her doctor if the pain and swelling persist.
If the casualty shows signs of anaphylactic shock, such as impaired breathing or swelling
of the face and neck. Call 108 or ambulance.
16. Other bites and stings
Bites from certain species of scorpion and spider can cause serious illness
and may even be fatal if not treated promptly. These species are not found
in the UK, but bites may occur while travelling overseas.
Bites or stings in the mouth or throat are dangerous because swelling can
obstruct the airway. Be alert to an allergic reaction, which may lead to
anaphylactic shock.
17. Help the casualty to sit or lie down, and reassure her.
Raise the affected part if possible. Apply an ice pack or cold compress.
Monitor vital signs- level of response, pulse, breathing. Watch for signs of an allergy,
such as wheezing.
If a casualty has been stung by scorpion or a red back or funnel web spider, or if the
casualty is showing signs of anaphylactic shock. Call 108 or ambulance.
18. Snake bite
The only poisonous snake native to mainland Britain is the adder, and it’s
bite is rarely fatal. A snake bite is not usually a serious injury, it can be
frightening.
Reassurance is vital if the casualty keeps still the spread of venom through
the body may be delayed. Note the snake’s appearance to help doctors
give the correct antivenom. If it is safe to do so, put the snake in a secure
container, bear in mind that venom is active even if the snake is dead. If
the snake is not captured, notify the police.
19. Help the casualty to lie down. Reassure her and tell her keep calm and still. Dial 108 or
ambulance
Gently wash the wound and pat dry with clean swab.
Lightly compress the limb above the wound with a roller bandage. Use triangular
bandages to immobilise the affected area.
Do not apply tourniquet, slash the wound with a knife, or suck out the venom
If the casualty become unconscious, open the airway and check breathing, be prepared
to give chest compression and rescue breath if necessary
20. Animal bite
Bites from sharp, pointed teeth cause deep puncture wounds that carry
bacteria and other microorganisms far into the tissues.
Any bite that breaks the skin needs prompt first aid and medical attention
because of the risk of infection.
The most serious infection risk is rabies, a potentially fatal viral infection of
the nervous system. The virus is carried in the saliva of infected animals. If
bitten overseas, where the risk of rabies is greatest, the casualty must
receive anti- rabies injection.
Tetanus is also a potential risk following any animal bite.
21. Put on disposable gloves, if available. Wash the bite wound thoroughly with soap and warm water
in order to minimise the risk of infection.
Pat dry with clean gauze swabs and cover with an adhesive dressing or a small sterile dressing.
Arrange to take or send the casualty to hospital if the wound is large and deep.
If the wound is deep, control bleeding by applying direct pressure and raising the injured part.
Cover the wound with a non-fluffy pad, or a sterile dressing, and a bandage firmly in place to
control bleeding. Arrange to take or sent the casualty to hospital.
Always ask about tetanus immunisation. Seek medical advice if: the casualty has never been
immunised. The casualty is uncertain about the timing or number of injection that have been
given. It is more than 10 years since the casualty’s last injection.
