Poisoning

Definition of a poison

exposure of a substance(s) that may result in mortality or morbidity

What’s the cause of poisoning?

when quantity of a substance becomes so great it causes death

How can poison enter the body?

• inhalation

• ingestion

• injection (needles or bites)

• absorption (through eyes or skin)

Common types of poison

• household products

• pharmaceutical/recreational substances

• plant/fungi

• alcohol

• chemical

• cosmetics

Assessment of poisoned patient

• primary surgery

• history

• evaluate if time critical

• begin appropriate treatment, gain advice where req

• transport to further care

What should management be based on?

• identification of poison

• specific treatment for specific poison

• rapid access to hospital

What to consider during carbon monoxide poisoning?

• Consider if patient is in confined space with impaired ventilation

• Boiler may be defective

What to do in carbon monoxide poisoning call?

• remove pt from source

• administer continuous high conc O2 (SpO2 monitoring has no value in this situation)

signs and symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning

• headache

• dizziness

• nausea/vomiting

• lethargy

• muscle ataxia

• confusion

• chest pain

• dib/sob

• neurological deficit

• coma

Questions to ask in carbon monoxide poisoning

Cohabitants/companions - anyone else unwell? any pets behaving abnormally

Outdoors - feel better outside or when away from property for prolonged time?

Maintenance - are heating appliances properly maintained

Alarms - working CO alarm? has it activated?