General care of bites and stings:

• Immediately wash the bite or sting with soap and water if available, or use antiseptic wipes if soap and water are not available.
• Put an ice pack on the affected area with a cloth barrier between the ice and skin. If treating a bee sting, remove the stinger first (see below).
• Never attempt to suck out any venom or poison with your mouth!
• Never apply a tourniquet.
• Do not use folk remedies or unproven treatments to care for the casualty.
• Do not give the casualty caffeinated drinks, alcohol, or aspirin.

Content excerpted from the Urgent First Aid Guide used by permission Copyright 2013 UrgentFirstAid.com
All Rights Reserved. Get a full copy of the First Aid Guide for under $1!

This is National Poison Prevention Week - a few reminders about the dangers of poisoning and how to deal with a poisoning emergency. Remember that while we often think of a child ingesting something the should not as "poisoning", there are in fact many forms of poisoning, and you should learn about them all:

» Signs and Symptoms of Poisoning

» Treating Swallowed / Ingested Poisons

» What to do: Convulsions from Poisoning

» Chemical Burns & Skin Exposure to Chemical Poisons

» Inhaled Poisons (smoke, chemical or gas fumes)

» Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

As far as accidental poisoning and children, learn about the up, away, and out of sight campaign:

Call 9-1-1 or EMS immediately. Call the Poison Control Center 1-800-222-1222. If the casualty is experiencing convulsions:

• Call the Poison Control Center Help line immediately! 1-800-222-1222
• Do not induce vomiting unless instructed to do so by a medical professional or the Poison Control Center. If the casualty has swallowed petroleum or a corrosive product, vomiting could cause more serious damage.
• The casualty should never be given anything to eat or drink, including milk or water, after ingesting a poison unless instructed to do so by a medical professional or the Poison Control Center.
• Retrieve the container the poison was in, with the label and any remaining content, and give this to the Emergency Medical Personnel or the doctor treating the poisoned casualty.

Also read Syrup of Ipecac & What to do: Convulsions from Poisoning

Content excerpted from the Urgent First Aid Guide used by permission Copyright 2013 UrgentFirstAid.com
All Rights Reserved. Get a full copy of the First Aid Guide for under $1!

Poisoning can occur in a variety of ways; from ingestion, inhalation, absorption or injection! Learn first aid treatment for the different types of poisoning (it is very different and specific to each situation). Find out about LIVE OSHA Standard First Aid & Emergency Care at your location... check out American CPR Training™

Call 9-1-1 or EMS immediately. Call the Poison Control Center 1-800-222-1222. If the casualty is experiencing convulsions:

1. Place the casualty in a location where he/she will not injure himself or herself. This usually means laying the casualty on the floor, away from walls and heavy or sharp objects. Place a soft pillow or clothing under the head if possible.
2. Do not try to restrain the casualty.
3. Loosen any tight or restricting clothing, especially around the neck.
4. Do not try to place any objects or fingers between the casualty’s teeth.
5. After the convulsion, turn the casualty on her/his side in case of vomiting.
6. Continue to monitor the casualty for any signs of breathing difficulty or changes in consciousness. If the casualty stops breathing, begin CPR immediately and call 9-1-1!

Content excerpted from the Urgent First Aid Guide used by permission Copyright 2013 UrgentFirstAid.com
All Rights Reserved. Get a full copy of the First Aid Guide for under $1!

Also read: Syrup of Ipecac

Poisoning can occur in a variety of ways; from ingestion, inhalation, absorption or injection! Learn first aid treatment for the different types of poisoning (it is very different and specific to each situation). Find out about LIVE OSHA Standard First Aid & Emergency Care at your location... check out American CPR Training™