Saturated solution of common salt or mustard and make him vomit.

Poisoning

Some substances when taken into the body in fairly large quantities can be dangerous to health or can cause death, such substances are called POISONS. There are three types or routes by which poisons can enter the body.

• Ingested poisons (oral)
• Inhaled poisons like gases (nose)
• Injected poisons (through skin)
• Ingested poisons – These are poisons which enter the body through mouth. There are two varieties in this
• Corrosive Poisons – Eg. Strong Acids and Alkalies
• Non-Corrosive Poisons – Eg. TIK-20, Folidol, etc. When you see the case of ingested poison, examine the casualty’s lips and tongue. If lips and tongue are burnt or discolored, it is an indication of corrosive poison. Otherwise, it is non-corrosive poison.

Saturated solution of common salt or mustard and make him vomit. Collect the vomits for further examination, give cold milk or white of egg to reduce burning sensation in the stomach and to reduce the rate of absorption of the poison respectively and then shift the casualty to the Hospital.

In case of corrosive poisons, “NEVER MAKE THE CASUALTY VOMIT”. Here, treat by means of dilution i.e. give plenty of water, it will dilute poison.

Snake bite

Out of 2500 different kinds of snakes only 200 are poisonous.

 Management

• Lay the patient down, give him complete rest, and never make him walk.
• If the bite is on the arm or leg apply a constrictive bandage (on the heart side) just tight enough to obstruct and stop the flow of the poison (Venom) to all parts of the body.

Application of constrictive bandage should be as follows

• Out of 60 seconds in a minute tie the bandage for 50 seconds loosen it for 10 seconds,
• Cover the wound with sterilized dressing.
• If breathing fails start artificial respiration.
• Shift the patient to the hospital (if the snake has been killed carry it to the hospital for identification).

 Dog bite

• Wash the wound thoroughly with plenty of soap and water
• Cover the wound with a dry sterile dressing
• Shift the patient to the hospital.

To know more about first aid click here

Read more on World health organisation’s tips on  Medical kit and toilet items

K K Pradeep
Tejus crisis and Trauma Foundation

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