Poison Control and other safety measures

POISON CONTROL Poison – is any substance which is solid, liquid or gas that tends to impair health or causes death when introduced into the body or onto the skin surface. Causes: -Common in suicide attempts -Occasional accidental poisoning Common Household poisons: -Sleeping pills -Insecticide/pesticide -Kerosene -Strong acids/Detergents -Poisonous plants -Contaminated food/water -fume Ways in which poisoning may occur: a. Ingested poisoning – by mouth b. Inhaled poisoning – by breathing c. Ingested poisoning – by animal bites, stings and syringes d. Absorbed poisoning – by skin contact

A. Ingested poisoning – introduced into the digestive tract by way of the mouth Suspect food poisoning if: -ate food that did not taste right, spoiled, improperly prepared, contaminated, left at room temperature for a long time. -several people who ate together become ill B. Inhaled poisoning Signs and Symptoms: -History of inhaling poisons -Breathing difficulty -Chest pain -Cough, hoarseness, burning sensation in the throat -Cyanosis -Dizziness, headache -Seizures, unresponsiveness First Aid: 1. Remove the victim from the toxic environment and expose to fresh air immediately. 2. Monitor ABCs. – Airways, Breathing, Circulation 3. Seek medical attention.

C. Absorbed poison – is a poison that enters the body through the skin Signs and Symptoms: -history of exposures -liquid or powder on the skin -burns -itching, irritation -redness, rash, blisters

First Aid: 1. Remove the clothing 2. Then with a dry cloth, blot the poison from the skin. If the poison is a dry powder, brush it off. 3. Wash with enough amount of water 4. Monitor vital signs

D. Injected poison – bite, sting or syringe 1. Insect bites: Signs and Symptoms: -Stinger -Pain -Swelling -Possible allergic reaction First Aid: 1. Remove stinger 2. Wash wound 3. Cover wound 4. Apply cold pack 5. Watch for signs of allergic reaction 2. Spider bite / Scorpion sting Signs and Symptoms: -Bite mark -Swelling -Pain -Nausea and vomiting -Difficulty in breathing or swallowing First Aid: 1. Wash wound 2. Apply cold pack 3. Get medical care to receive antivenum 4. Call local 911 3. Snake bites Signs and Symptoms: -Bite mark -pain First Aid: 1. Wash wound 2. Keep bitten part still and lower than the heart 3. Call local 911 Human and Animal Bites Signs and Symptoms: -Bite mark -Bleeding First Aid: 1. If bleeding is minor – wash wound 2. Control bleeding 3. Apply antibiotic ointment 4. Cover the wound 5. Get medical attention 6. Call local 911.

COMPARATIVE CHARACTERISTICS OF A SNAKE HEAD BODY SKIN PUPIL ATTACK BITE MARKS

Venomous Semi-triangular Rectangular Rough Vertical Non-constrictor Fang marks

General care for poisoning: 1. Survey the scene 2. Remove the victim from the source of poison 3. Do a primary survey 4. Care for any life threatening condition 5. If the victim is conscious, do a secondary survey 6. Do not give the victim anything by mouth unless advised by medical professionals Poison Control Centers – provide information on toxins, management of poisoning victims and antidotes Contact: 454-1078 / 5218450 loc. 2311 or 117 Classification of Drugs: 1. Alcohol 2. Narcotics 3. Cannabis Sativa (marijuana) 4. Depressants 5. Inhalants 6. Stimulants 7. Hallucinogens 8. Tranquilizers Alcohol – refers to alcoholic beverages - Most common abused brand, “whiskey”, followed by “beer” Alcoholism – disease/disorder of behavior characterized by repeated drinking of alcoholic beverages Alcoholic – person who indulges in heavy uncontrolled drinking to the detriment of the person’s health and personality. Effects of Alcohol use: 1. Relaxation and loss of inhibitions 2. A sense of excitement 3. Disrupted motor activity, motor skills and coordination 4. Disturbance in bodily processes

Non-venomous Oblongated Circular Smooth Round Constrictor Horseshoe marks 5. Superficial blood vessels are dilated causing warm feeling 6. Deep intoxication can lead to coma and death 7. Consciousness begins to wane causing mental dullness 8. Loss of self-control resulting in violent behavior FIRST AID TREATMENT Alcohol intoxication can be treated as follows: 1. No need for FIRST AID TREATMENT: - Sleeping quietly, normal color of the face, normal breathing, regular heartbeat MEDICAL HELP NEEDED - Signs of shock – cold and clammy skin - Rapid and irregular pulse - Abnormal breathing - Unconscious Always maintain an open airway - Artificial respiration if necessary - Maintain normal body heat 4. Be careful – they may become violent and harm others CANNABIS SATIVE (MARIJUANA) -is an annual plant that grows wild in many temperate parts of the world -consists of crushed cannabis leaves and its flowers Effects of Marijuana: 1. Throat irritation and coughing 2. Increased heart beat and pulse rate 3. Reddening of the eyes, dizziness, incoordination 4. Sleepiness and decreased physical activity 5. Can cause chronic bronchitis and asthma Psychological Effects:

1. Feeling of excitement 2. Distortion of time and space perception 3. Disturbance to brainwave activity causing impairment of skills leading to abnormal behavior STIMULANTS (UPPERS) Kinds of Stimulants: 1. Amphetamines – marketed as inhalers, injectables and tablets - “ice” smokable form – seizures and paranoia 2. Cocaine – most potent – cocaine hydrochloride -white crystalline powder (sniff or snort) -“street” or “rocks” – larger pieces -“freebase” – purified, injected or smoked EFFECTS OF STIMULANTS: 1. Relieve fatigue and gives feeling of wellbeing 2. Increase heart, breathing rates, and raise BP 3. Feeling of being stronger and more decisive 4. Extended wakefulness and increased mental alertness 5. May induce irritability, anxiety and fear 6. Loss of appetite, decreased body weight 7. Pregnant women – mental retardation to unborn babies 8. Loss of sexual desire, lacks interest in work 9. “Schizophrenia” or split personality 10.Chronic user – memory loss 11.Chronic snorters – nose bleeding 12.Dirty needles – hepatitis B, blood poisoning and AIDS 13.High doses can cause hyperactivity, combative behavior, stroke, collapse and death 14.Long term users – psychotic symptoms (loss touch with reality) 15.Frequent large doses – brain damage ABUSE OF STIMULANTS: -inhalation, sniffing, snorting, or injection -abusers need a higher dosage to get “high” -tolerance and physical dependence usually set in after a few weeks -withdrawal symptoms are depression and excessive period of sleep -depression can lead to suicide STIMULANTS: FIRST AID

-coco paste – crude product; kerosene “Shabu” or methamphetamine HCl -most abused stimulant in the Philippines -“poor man’s cocaine, ubas, S, siopao, sha & ice” -white, odorless crystal or crystalline powder with bitter taste -injected or inhaled “Ecstasy” (MDMA) – 3, 4 methylenedioxymethamphetamine -synthetic amphetamine -street names- x, Rave, Love drug, LBD, libido, XTC, E, Eckie, Love Dove -oral ingestion 1. Try to protect the victim from injuring or harming himself and others 2. Keep an open airway and give artificial respiration, when needed 3. Maintain normal body temperature 4. Seek medical and psychiatric help DEPRESSANTS (DOWNERS) -Drugs that slow down the body’s function -Small amounts promote: calmness and relaxation -large amounts can cause confusion, delusions, loss of coordination, collapse, coma and death -barbiturates, sedatives and tranquilizers Barbiturates – most frequent prescribed Induce sleep and sedation Large doses can cause sleep after 20-60mins. Overdose may progress in stages of sedation, sleep and coma to death Combination with alcohol is lethal even in small amounts First aid: 1. Keep an open airway, give artificial respiration if needed. 2. Maintain normal body temperature 3. Take victim to the nearest doctor/hospital. INHALANTS -are volatile substances derived from ether or chloroform -“glue-sniffing” “sudden sniffing death” a. quick-drying glue or plastic cement like “rugby” b. Pain remover & lacquer, “thinner” and “solvent”

c. Gasoline and gasoline based products d. Kerosene “gaas” e. Nail polish and cuticle remover f. Lighter fluid EFFECTS OF INHALANTS: 1. Unsteadiness and restlessness 2. Drunkenness with depression leading to unconsciousness 3. Irritability and highly agitated condition 4. Initial excitement thereby losing conditional control 5. Irritation of the throat and nasal passages FIRST AID 1. If a person has a paper or plastic bag covering his entire head, remove it immediately 2. When breathing stops, give the victim artificial respiration 3. Get medical assistance as quickly as possible COMMUNICABLE DISEASES: Mode of Transmission: 1. Direct contact transmission DISEASE HIV – virus that destroys the body’s ability to fight infection of which the resultant is – AIDS HERPES – viral infection, vesicular eruptions of the skin and mucous membranes MENINGITIS – inflammation of the brain or spinal cord caused by viral / bacterial infection TB – respiratory disease caused by bacteria CHILD 1. 2. 3. 4.

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a person touches an infected person’s body fluids

2. Indirect contact transmission - a person touches objects contaminated by the blood or body fluid of an infected person (soiled dressings, equipment and vehicle surfaces)

Airborne Transmission - a person inhales infected droplets that have become airborne as an infected person coughs or sneezes 4. Vector Transmission - occurs when an animal such as a dog or insect such as ticks transmits a pathogen through a bite BASIC PRECAUTIONS AND PRACTICES: 1. Personal Hygiene 2. Protective Equipment 3. Equipment cleaning and disinfecting

COMMUNICABLE DISEASES SIGNS AND MODE OF SYMPTOMS TRANSMISSION Fever, night sweats, Direct and indirect weight loss, chronic contact diarrhea, severe fatigue, shortness of breath, swollen lymph nodes, lesions Lesions, general ill Direct contact feeling, sore throat

INFECTIOUS MATERIAL Blood, semen, vaginal fluid

Broken skin, mucous membranes

Respiratory illness, sore throat, nausea, vomiting

Airborne, direct and indirect contact

Food and water, mucous

Weight loss, night sweats, occasional fever, general ill feeling

Airborne

Saliva, airborne droplets

PROOFING Do not leave infants/young children unattended. Use a safety strap to fasten a child in a high chair Do not let children play on curves or behind parked cars Check child inside the crib often 5. Lack and secure crib sidenails

6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13.

Keep one hand on a child lying on a crib, on a scale, or on a table if you must look away Place safety plugs on electrical outlets Keep cords and electrical equipment out of the reach of children Keep childproof caps on medicine container and household cleaner, store them in locked storage areas Keep bathroom doors closed. Keep buckets empty and upside down Do not prop baby bottles on a rolled towel or blanket Keep plastic bags and wraps away from children Use guardrails at the top and bottom of stairs to prevent small children from climbing up and down stairs

FALLS -common safety problems in health care facilities -high risk with age -most falls are in ages 65-85 -evening -major cause of fall—need to urinate FACTORS INCREASING THE RISKS OF FALLS 1. History of falls 2. Poor vision 3. Confusion

4. Disorientation – strange surroundings 5. Decrease mobility 6. Joint pain and stiffness 7. Muscle weakness

8. 9. 10. 11. 12.

Decrease BP Problems with balance Poor judgment Memory problems Medications – side effects

SAFETY MEASURES TO PREVENT FALLS AND OTHER HOME ACCIDENTS FOR THE ELDERLY 1. Good lighting in rooms, hallways and bathrooms 2. Light switches within easy reach and to find 3. Night lights in bedrooms, hallways and bathrooms 4. Handrails on both sides of stairs and in bathrooms 5. Safety rails and grab bars in showers, tubs and next to the toilet 6. Wall-to-wall carpeting or carpeting that is tacked down 7. One colored floor coverings; avoid bold designs 8. Non-glare, non-slip floor surfaces 9. Non-skid way, uncluttered floors 10. Floor tree of spills and excess furniture 11. Furniture arrangements that allow for easy movement 12. Avoid rearranging furniture 13. Chairs with armrests 14. Telephone and lamp at the bedside 15. Non-slip surfaces or non-slip bath mats in tubs and showers 16. Non-skid shoes and slippers 17. Clothing that fits properly 18. Glass and plastic items are inspected before use 19. Electric equipment must function properly. Frayed cords and overloaded electrical outlets can cause electrical shock that may result in death or fire SIDE EFFECTS OF MEDICATION: 1. Low BP 2. Drowsiness 3. Fainting 4. Dizziness 5. Poor muscle coordination 6. Unsteadiness 7. Frequent urination 8. Confusion and disorientation ADDITIONAL MEASURES FOR PERSONS AT HOME OF FALLING: 1. Call-bells – answered promptly - Within person’s reach - Taught how to use - Encourage to ask for help 2. Frequent checks are made on person’s with poor judgment or memory 3. Family and friends are asked to visit during busy times; during evening and night shifts 4. Companion provided 5. Bed close to the floor 6. Bed pan, urinal offered at regular times 7. Distraction techniques: TV, radio, soft music, soft lights, warm drink, back massage to calm 8. Check room after visitors left.