Poisoning Flashcards
What is a poison?
A substance that can cause injury, death or impairment of an organism through a chemical action/
What are the most common items that are considered poisons for children?
- Cough/cold medicine
- Pain/fever medication
- Cleaning solutions
- Plants
What are the 4 entry routes poisons are categorized by?
- Ingestion
- Inhalation
- Absorption
- Injection
When dealing with a potential poisoning, what are the most important components of care?
- Scene assessment: is it safe to approach?
- Remove patient from source
- Treat life-threatening conditions
- Call 911, request poison control
- Collect vomit sample
If patient is suspected to be poisoned, what are the 4 questions poison control will want to know?
- What type of poison?
- What was the route of entry?
- When did it occur?
- What was the quantity consumed?
What are the 3 most common types of poisonous plants found in BC?
- Poison Ivy
- Poison Oak
- Poison Sumac
When dealing with an injected poison, via animals or insects, what should be noted if creature is still present?
Physical characteristics of creature. If detailed enough, this can assist with procuring an anti-venom.
Do not attempt to capture creature.
What are the 2 types of spiders native to NA that can cause fatal bites?
Black Widow’s & Brown Recluse
Since most snakes native to Canada are not venomous, how should they be treated?
Treat all snake bites as venomous:
1. Keep injured site still, to reduce blood flow
2. Remove any jewelry or tight clothing
3. Wash wound with water
4. Cover with dry sterile dressing
How are drugs and medications defined by the red cross?
A drug is any substance taken to purposefully affect the body
A medication is a drug used to prevent or manage a disease or condition.
What are the 3 classifications of drugs?
- Stimulants
- Depressants
- Hallucinogens
What do stimulants do to the human body?
Directly alter the CNS to accelerate mental and physical activity. Provides temporary feelings of alertness, prevents drowsiness and improves task performance.
What effect do hallucinogens have on the human body?
Causes changes in mood sensation, thoughts, emotions and self-awareness.
Can produce mind altering effects such as delusions, hallucinations, panic, tension, profound depression etc.
What effect do Depressants have on the human body?
Directly affects the CNS to slow down mental and physical activity. Will alter mental awareness to an extent.
What are Opioids?
A subclass of depressants that often are used to relieve pain. When taken in excess, the drug binds to receptors in the brain that control respiration and can often lead to respiratory arrest. Very easily resulting in overdosing and death.
When prescribed, they are very closely monitored.
