Poisoning

Poisons may be swallowed, inhaled, absorbed through the skin or injected. Food, medicines and some household and industrial products may be poisonous.

It is vital to find out as much as possible about the type and dose of the poison. Search for any empty bottles or medicine containers to send to the hospital with the casualty. If the casualty is conscious and able to speak, ask for information about the cause of the poisoning.

For specific information on a poison, phone the poisons information centre on I3 II26. This number can be called from any telephone in Australia.

Remember

In many cases accidental poisoning is avoidable ­ see HOME SAFETY.

Symptoms and signs

Depending on the nature of the poison, these may include

• pain, from the mouth to the abdomen
• odour of poison on the breath
• burns around and inside the mouth
• nausea and vomiting, diarrhoea
• dizziness, faintness
• breathing difficulty
• headache
• ringing in ears
• change of skin colour, sweating
• drowsiness
• unconsciousness

First aid treatment

1. If the casualty is unconscious, place in the lateral position, check the airway, breathing and pulse and begin expired air resuscitation (EAR) or cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) if necessary. If EAR or CPR is needed, make sure you wipe any poisonous substance from the casualty's mouth first.
2. If the casualty is conscious, treat according to the substance that has caused the poisoning.
3. seek urgent medical aid.