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:

For more information about poisoning, visit the American Association of Poison Control Centers at www.aapcc.org or call Poison Help 1-800-222-1222. Keep this number handy and visible near all telephones in the home, work place, and childcare agencies.

Signs and symptoms of poisoning include:

• Sudden seizures, unconsciousness, confusion, nausea, vomiting, or illness when access to poisons is possible.
• Opened bottles or packages of drugs or poisonous chemicals found near an ill or unconscious casualty.
• Berries, leaves, plants, or other poisonous substances in the mouth. (Other swallowed poisons may include; wild mushrooms, household or lawn & garden chemicals, hair dye or cosmetic products, and over-the-counter and/or prescription medications.)
• Pain or burning sensation in the throat.
• Burns or discoloration around the mouth area.
• Unusual odor on the breath.
• Odors of a petroleum product, in the area and on the breath – such as; kerosene, gasoline, lighter fluid, and furniture polish. (Other poisons include: Acids such as; rust removers, toilet bowl cleaners. Alkalis such as; lye, bleach, and ammonia.)

ALSO READ:

• ~ Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
• ~ Treating Swallowed / Ingested Poisons
• ~ What to do: Convulsions from Poisoning
• ~ CO

Content excerpted from the Urgent First Aid Guide used by permission Copyright 2013 UrgentFirstAid.com
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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™