first aid: Poisoning

Symptoms and signs: Information from victim or observer, stains about mouth, presence of poison container, breath odor, pupils contracted to pinpoint size from morphine or narcotics. Treatment: Dilute ingested poison by administering water or milk, administer specific antidote if described on label of commercial product. Do not induce vomiting if poison is strong acid, strong alkali, or petroleum product, or if victim is unconscious or convulsive. Syrup of Ipecac available without prescription at pharmacies may be administered to induce vomiting in other cases. A universal antidote contains Ipecac and activated charcoal; the latter absorbs the poison and the former causes it to be expelled.

Sections in this article:

• Introduction
• Wound
• Shock
• Severe Bleeding
• Poisoning
• Heatstroke
• Heat Exhaustion
• Frostbite
• Fractures and Joint Injuries
• Foreign Body in the Eye
• Fainting
• Drowning and Near-Drowning
• Burns
• Bites and Stings
• Asphyxia and Obstruction of Air Passages
• Bibliography

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