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| 1. |
Definition
A poison is any substance liquid, solid or gas that poisons
the body tissues decreases or reduces their function &
even causes death by its chemical action when introduced
in relatively small amount into the body.
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| 2. |
Pathways
for entering the body
There are four ways for poisons to enter the body:
* Ingestion -- through the mouth.
* Inhalation -- through the respiratory tract
* Absorption -- through the skin
* Injection -- into the body or blood vessels
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| 3. |
Clinical
Features:
General poisoning may result in the following clinical
features.
| - |
Slow
or abnormal respiration & blood circulation |
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Shock |
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Unconsciousness |
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Cramp
or convulsion |
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Dilated
or constricted pupils |
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Nausea,
vomiting or diarrhoea |
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Severe
abdominal pain, distension or cramps |
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Mouth
frothing & excessive sweating |
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If
corrosive substance has been swallowed, there will
be burns & stains around the lips. Pain is felt
in the mouth & throat. |
| - |
Breath
with chemical odours. |
Treatment for Ingested Poisons:
| (1)
|
Maintain
an open airway.
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| (2) |
Position the casualty in a recovery position.
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| (3) |
Send the casualty to hospital. Take casualty’s vomit & any suspected container to hospital.
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Note:
Do not delay his transportation to hospital.
Treatment for Inhaled Poisons:
| (1)
|
Safeguard
yourself when entering the scene by opening the
windows & removing the patient to an area of fresh
air.
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| (2) |
If
the patient is not breathing, start mouth to mouth
resuscitation. If he has no pulse, start CPR.
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| (3) |
Administer
100% oxygen if possible.
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| (4) |
Transport
the patient to hospital immediately.
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Treatment for Absorbed Poisons:
| (1)
|
Irrigate
the affected area with running water.
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| (2) |
Apply
cold compresses.
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| (3) |
Instruct
the patient not to scratch the rash.
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| (4) |
If
the body appears to have an allergic reaction, follow
the rules in treating breathing with difficult.
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| (5) |
Send
the patient to hospital.
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Treatment for Injected Poisons:
| (1)
|
If
the patient is breathing with difficulty, stops
breathing, follow the rules in treating breathing
with difficulty.
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| (2)
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Send
the patient to hospital immediately.
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| 4. |
Snake
Bites
The poison of a snake is mainly stored in the poison sac
of its two front tooth. Casualty will be very frightened
once bitten by snake. Reasure and calm the casualty, minimize
his movements to reduce the venom circulating inside his
body. The common types of poisonous snakes in Hong Kong
are King Cobra, Chinese Cobra, Banded Krait, Many-Banded
Krait & Bamboo Snake.
Clinical Features:
| (1)
|
There
can be clear marks of tooth bites.
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| (2)
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The
wound is hot, pain & swelling.
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| (3)
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Nausea & vomiting.
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| (4)
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Disturbed vision & headache.
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| (5)
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Difficult in breathing for severe cases.
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Treatment :
| (1)
|
Wash
the wound thoroughly with soap & water.
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| (2)
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Position
the injured limbs at a lower level than the heart.
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| (3)
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Apply dressing to the wound & bandage with crepe
bandage but not so tightly as to interfere with
his blood circulation.
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| (4)
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Immobilize casualty with splint to minimize his
movement.
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| (5)
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Reassure the casualty.
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| (6)
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Convey the casualty on stretch to hospital immediately.
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| Note:
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If
possible, take the snake with you to hospital. The
Casualty Department will inject appropriate serum
to the casualty.
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Important notices