Poisoning and First-Aid Basics

Vocabulary flashcards covering definitions, signs, and first-aid measures for various types of poisoning as discussed in the lecture.

Poison

Any solid, liquid, or gas that can impair health or cause death when introduced into the body or onto the skin.

Routes of Poisoning

Ingestion (mouth), Inhalation (breathing), Injection (bites, stings, syringes), and Absorption (skin contact).

Common Household Poisons

Sleeping pills, pain relievers, insect and rodent poisons, kerosene, denatured alcohol, poisonous plants, contaminated water.

Ingested Poison

A toxin introduced into the digestive tract, often through spoiled, contaminated, or chemically treated food or drink.

Food Poisoning

Illness caused by eating contaminated, old, improperly prepared, or chemically treated food.

Signs of Ingested Poisoning

Altered mental status, odd breath odors, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea.

Severe Food Poisoning Warning Signs

Bloody diarrhea, fever >102 °F, persistent vomiting, dehydration, diarrhea lasting more than 3 days.

When Not to Induce Vomiting

Victim is unresponsive, can’t keep airway open, ingested acids or petroleum products, or has conditions like heart attack, seizures, pregnancy.

First Aid for Ingested Poison

Identify the poison, place victim on left side, save containers/food samples, seek medical attention.

Inhaled Poison

Toxin breathed into the lungs (e.g., fumes, gases, vapors).

Signs of Inhaled Poisoning

Breathing difficulty, chest pain, cough or hoarseness, throat burning, cyanosis, dizziness, headache, seizures in advanced stages.

First Aid for Inhaled Poison

Remove victim to fresh air immediately and obtain medical help.

Absorbed Poison

Also called contact poison; enters the body through skin exposure.

Signs of Absorbed Poisoning

Liquid or powder on skin, burns, itching, irritation, redness, rashes, blisters.

First Aid for Absorbed Poison

Remove contaminated clothing, blot or brush poison off, flood skin with large amounts of water.

Injected Poison

Toxin introduced via bite, sting, or syringe (e.g., insects, spiders, animals).

Bee Sting

An injected poison; may leave a stinger, causing pain, swelling, and possible allergy.

First Aid for Bee Sting

Remove stinger, wash and cover wound, apply cold pack, monitor for allergic reaction.

Spider Bite

Injection of venom, producing bite marks, swelling, pain, nausea, breathing or swallowing difficulty.

First Aid for Spider Bite

Wash wound, apply cold pack, seek medical care for antivenin.

Marine Organism Sting

Stings from jellyfish, stingrays, etc., causing pain, swelling, and potential allergic reaction.

First Aid for Marine Stings

Jellyfish: soak in vinegar; Stingray: soak in non-scalding hot water; clean and bandage wound.

Dog Bite

Puncture or tear wound with bleeding that can introduce infection.

First Aid for Dog Bite

Control bleeding, cover wound, obtain medical attention (possible rabies prophylaxis).

General Care Steps for Poisoning

Survey scene, remove victim from source, perform primary survey, treat life-threatening issues, conduct secondary survey if conscious.