ST John Ambulance - 21 April 2022

Poisoning

Poisoning can occur at any time, of particular risk are our children with household chemicals and our elderly, who may mistake the red pill for the blue pill. Workplace poisonings do occur and can have devastating consequences. Signs of poisoning include, abdominal pain, drowsiness, burning from the stomach to mouth, breathing difficulties, tight chest, blurred vision, strange odours, blue lips, hands and feet, or collapse.

WHAT TO DO:

As always, check for any danger to yourself, or the casualty.

If the patient is unconscious, call triple zero (000) immediately.

If the patient is not breathing, begin CPR.

Check for signs of smoke or gas, if the area is contaminated, call the fire brigade.

If the patient is conscious, give reassurance, look for any indication of what poison might have been consumed, especially in young children, was it floor cleaner, how much may have been consumed. call triple zero (000).

Call the poison information centre on 00 61 13 11 26.

Do Not: Induce vomiting, you may add to the risk of poisons ending up in your lungs.

Do Not: Give anything by mouth, wash the face and mouth with water but do not give anything to eat or drink.

Do: Follow any advice from the poison’s information centre

Seek Medical Assistance When:

If you suspect a person may have been poisoned, seek medical help immediately.

For the full copy of the fact sheet, visit www.stjohnnsw.com.au/training/

Our next skill drill will be 26 April, in the shed on Grassy Road, 6:30 pm start. If you are interested in becoming a St John volunteer or, for more information, please email norfolk.island@stohnnsw.com.au or james.garden@stjohnnsw.com.au