Poisoning can be defined as any substance entering the body in sufficient quantities that can cause temporary or permanent damage. The main danger is when the poison enters the circulatory system, where it can then disable it. The topic has recently been included in the UK's network of paediatric first aid courses, after a spate of attacks which involved children. One of these involved a lady switching a baby's milk bottle with bleach.
We reject the presence of an alien substance when the quantity is too great. In these cases the body is either unable to cope with the pressure put upon it, or it produces nasty chemicals which create further complications. Ingestion is one of the most common methods of poisoning, whereby it is possible for the poison to enter the circulatory system via the stomach. It can then enter the heart through the blood vessels, which causes a cardiac arrest in the most serious of cases. Even in less serious cases the casualty can become unconscious and their airway can easily become compromised.
Many cases of poisoning occur in childhood, resulting from the ingestion of household chemicals like bleach, oven cleaners and paint strippers. Nausea is often one of the main symptoms of household chemical poisoning, which usually results in frequent vomiting. Other symptoms to look out for include nasty, long lasting headaches, alongside fever and sweating. It must be stressed that the vomiting casualty will not cure themselves through their sickness. This is a common myth that can sometimes delay the arrival of the emergency services. It is also worth looking out for the evidence of the chemical that they have ingested.
It is important to move onto a course of treatment, after the initial diagnosis of the condition. Members of the public through their first aid training are taught how to maintain the airway of sick casualties. This is typically achieved through the use of the recovery position when the casualty is unconscious. Poisoning cases are so violent that you may feel that even the conscious casualty could benefit from being placed in the recovery position. This will ensure that their airway is constantly open, and vomit will drain safely to the floor.
It is also essential to call the emergency services once the casualty is in a safe position. Household chemical poisoning can be life threatening, whereby things can quickly take a turn for the worse. The casualty's breathing should be monitored at all times, whilst awaiting the arrival of the emergency services. Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) would need to be delivered if the breathing process completely stops. This method of treatment saves 1000's of lives each year and is typically taught via a global network of training courses.
One of the most high profile poisoning events in recent times involved the case of Elaine Joyner. Miss Joyner was involved in a pre-mediated attack on a baby, whereby she deliberately swapped a baby's milk bottle with that of bleach. The baby was only 11 months old at the time, and was out at a local fast food restaurant with her Grandma. Miss Joyner waited for the grandmother to turn her back before making the swap.
Thankfully the baby immediately started vomiting, which ensured that the bleach did not enter the circulatory system. However some people in similar circumstances have not been so lucky. The incident reinforced the need to include the subject within paediatric first aid, where a little knowledge can go a long way.
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Bill Casserley is an experienced first aid trainer, who regularly volunteers at major events. Would you know what to do? If not then visit the paediatric first aid blog @ http://www.train-aid.co.uk for free life saving tips.
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