First Aid – Poisoning
The word “poison” is a general term used to describe a substance that can cause illness or death. Poisons can include many things, including medicines, drugs, household products, workplace chemicals, plant and animal toxins, and gases. Poisons can be ingested, inhaled, injected, or absorbed into the body. This course explains what poisons are, lists some common poisons, gives tips for preventing exposure to poisons, explains the importance of contacting a Poison Control Center in the event of a poisoning, and explains first aid procedures for poison exposures.
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Learning Objectives
• State the definition of a “poison” • List some common types of poisons • List some common ways in which a person can be exposed to a poison • List some ways to prevent a poisoning from occurring • List some common symptoms of poisoning • Explain when to summon emergency medical care in the case of a poisoning • Explain when to call a Poison Control Center • Explain how to provide first aid for poison victims in different circumstances • List some ways to be better prepared in the event a poisoning does occur
Specs
| Course Level | Intermediate |
| Languages | English |
| Compatibility | Audio, Video |
| Based on: | Industry Standards and Best Practices |
Key Questions
What does the word “poison” mean?
A poison is a general term for a substance that can cause harm.
What are some examples of poisons?
The following can be poisons in some circumstances: medications, drugs, chemicals found at work or home, toxins from plants and mushrooms, toxins from animals, and more.
How are people exposed to poisons?
Possible routes of exposure include inhalation, ingestion, injection, and absorption.
What is the American Association of Poison Control Centers?
These are the experts on poisonings. You should always contact the American Association of Poison Control Centers if someone has been exposed to a poison.
Is it OK to summon emergency medical assistance (such as by calling 911) in addition to calling the American Association of Poison Control Centers?
Yes, but always remember to call your Poison Control Center if you suspect someone has been poisoned.
Sample Video Transcript
The word “poison” is defined as a substance that can cause illness or death if it is introduced or absorbed into the body. As a result, a poison can refer to many things including medicines, including prescription drugs, over-the-counter drugs, herbal remedies, alcohol, and illegal drugs. Common household products such as bleach and other household cleansers, bug killers, weed killers and anti-freeze. Chemicals used at the workplace, bites and stings from animals, toxins released from mushrooms or plants and fumes and gases. People can intentionally ingest poisons or they may be exposed accidentally. In some cases they may not even be aware that they’ve been exposed to poison.
Additional Resources
- Occupational Safety and Health Administration – www.osha.gov
- OSHA Topics – https://www.osha.gov/SLTC/text_index.html
- OSHA HazCom – https://www.osha.gov/dsg/hazcom/
- OSHA Chemical Hazards and Toxic Substances – https://www.osha.gov/SLTC/hazardoustoxicsubstances/index.html
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention – www.cdc.gov
- CDC Poisoning – http://www.cdc.gov/HomeandRecreationalSafety/Poisoning/index.html
- American Association of Poison Control Centers – www.aapcc.org/
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