Poisoning

Definition

Exposure of a substance that may result in mortality (death) or morbidity (something that leads to a long term condition)

The cause of poisoning is when the quantity of a substance becomes so great it causes death

Carbon Monoxide takes the space of oxygen in the red blood cells

How they enter the body

Inhalation (gasses, fumes)

Ingestion (liquid, solids)

Injection (needles, bites)

Absorption (eyes, skin)

Common Types of Poison

Household products

Pharmaceutical/recreational substances

Plants/fungi

Alcohol

Chemicals

Cosmetics

Carbon Monoxide

Remove patient from source

Administer high concentration oxygen

Respiration less than 10 bag oxygen

If you cant feel radial pulse systolic generally less than 90

If dizzy/disorientated because hypoxic

COMA

Cohabitants - anyone else unwell? pets behaving abnormally?

Outdoors - Do you feel better if you go outside or away from property?

Maintenance - Are heating appliances maintained properly?

Alarms - Do you have working CO2 alarm? Is it working?