disaster 5th 1108_5th ed 2011 - Homeland Security and Emergency ...

POISON - SWALLOWED
See TERRORISM (in Section 2) for information, signs & symptoms, and
treatment on several poisonous chemical and biological agents that could
be swallowed from eating or drinking something contaminated.
Things to watch for…
Burns on the mouth, tongue and lips
Stomach pains
Open medicine cabinet; spilled or open containers
Difficulty breathing
Convulsions or seizures
Weakness or dizziness
Passed out
What to do…
• Stay calm and find out exactly what, how much, and how
long ago it was swallowed.
• Call Poison Control Center (1-800-222-1222 in the U.S.)
or an ambulance and have bottle or container handy (if
possible).
• NEVER give victim anything to eat or drink unless told to
do so by Poison Control Center or a Medical professional!!
• If victim pukes, lay them on their side to keep airway
open. Save a sample of the vomit IF the poison is
unknown so the hospital can try to identify it.
• If victim isn’t breathing consider doing Rescue Breathing
- but ONLY if sure poison cannot be spread person to person.
(Check with Poison Control Center. Also review
TERRORISM then BREATHING PROBLEMS)
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends parents no longer use
syrup of ipecac (pronounced ip’- î - kak) as a poison treatment intervention
in the home. Immediately contact local Poison Control Center for help.
If you decide to keep a few 1 ounce bottles in your First Aid Kit ... use
ONLY on the advice of a Medical professional or the Poison Control
Center! Syrup of ipecac is sold by most pharmacies without a prescription
and used to induce vomiting (makes you puke) -- again, use only if
instructed to do so.
www.itsadisaster.net or call 1-888-999-4325
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