How can a poison enter the body?

The four main entry routes into the body are:

Inhaled: When it is taken into the lungs when we breathe.
Ingested: Swallowed either accidentally or on purpose.
Absorbed: Absorbed through the skin.
Injected: Injected into the tissues or a blood vessel.

How to recognise an infant or child affected by common poisonous substances, including plants:

Look for:

Evidence of bottles, containers, and plastic wrapping
Tablets or drugs
Syringes

Other indicators of possible poisoning are:

Low level of consciousness (check AVPU, as explained in this Unii Journey's Episode 3: How to Assess a Child's Consciousness and Breathing).
Headache.
Possible seizure.
Confusion or hallucination.
Nausea and/or vomiting (if vomiting, try and secure a sample for the hospital to test to determine the exact composition of the poison).
Abdominal pains.
Burns around the lips and mouth.

Poisonous Substances

Corrosive substance:

This group contains products that were never intended to be ingested or inhaled.

Examples are household products, cleaning products such as bleach, dishwasher-powered products, acids, carbon monoxide, paint thinners, and shampoo.

Personal safety: Make sure it is safe.
Dilute the substance or wash it away.
Ingested substances: Encourage patients to rinse out their mouth, then give frequent sips of milk or water.

Substances on the skin:

It’s important that first aiders are familiar with the corrosive substances used in the workplace and the correct treatment needed.

Make sure of your personal safety first.
Dry powder chemicals can be carefully brushed off the skin, but make sure they are contained.
Irrigate the burn with lots of running water for at least 20 minutes; remove contaminated clothing carefully whilst irrigating the burn.
If the patient’s eyes are affected, irrigate as above, ensuring the water runs away from the unaffected eye.
Some workplace chemicals cannot be safely diluted with water but may require an 'antidote'. All first aiders should be familiar with the correct procedure and use of this antidote should an emergency occur.
If the patient becomes unconscious and is breathing normally, place them in the recovery position and dial 999. Continually monitor the patient's airway and breathing until paramedics arrive.

Non-corrosive substances:

This group contains products that are to be ingested in small quantities but that are harmful when taken in large amounts. Examples are pharmaceuticals, alcohol, drugs, medicinal herbs, etc.

Dial 999 and answer the questions from the ambulance operator.
If the patient becomes unconscious and is breathing normally, place them in the recovery position.
Continually monitor the patient's airway and breathing until paramedics arrive.
Never induce vomiting.
Identify sources of information that provide procedures for treating those affected by poisonous substances.

How can a poison enter the body?

The four main entry routes into the body are:

Inhaled: When it is taken into the lungs when we breathe.

Ingested: Swallowed either accidentally or on purpose.

Absorbed: Absorbed through the skin.

Injected: Injected into the tissues or a blood vessel.

How to recognise an infant or child affected by common poisonous substances, including plants:

Look for:

Evidence of bottles, containers, and plastic wrapping

Tablets or drugs

Syringes

Other indicators of possible poisoning are:

Low level of consciousness (check AVPU, as explained in this Unii Journey's Episode 3: How to Assess a Child's Consciousness and Breathing).

Headache.

Possible seizure.

Confusion or hallucination.

Nausea and/or vomiting (if vomiting, try and secure a sample for the hospital to test to determine the exact composition of the poison).

Abdominal pains.

Burns around the lips and mouth.

Poisonous Substances

Corrosive substance:

This group contains products that were never intended to be ingested or inhaled.

Examples are household products, cleaning products such as bleach, dishwasher-powered products, acids, carbon monoxide, paint thinners, and shampoo.

Personal safety: Make sure it is safe.

Dilute the substance or wash it away.

Ingested substances: Encourage patients to rinse out their mouth, then give frequent sips of milk or water.

Substances on the skin:

It’s important that first aiders are familiar with the corrosive substances used in the workplace and the correct treatment needed.

Make sure of your personal safety first.

Dry powder chemicals can be carefully brushed off the skin, but make sure they are contained.

Irrigate the burn with lots of running water for at least 20 minutes; remove contaminated clothing carefully whilst irrigating the burn.

If the patient’s eyes are affected, irrigate as above, ensuring the water runs away from the unaffected eye.

Some workplace chemicals cannot be safely diluted with water but may require an 'antidote'. All first aiders should be familiar with the correct procedure and use of this antidote should an emergency occur.

If the patient becomes unconscious and is breathing normally, place them in the recovery position and dial 999. Continually monitor the patient's airway and breathing until paramedics arrive.

Non-corrosive substances:

This group contains products that are to be ingested in small quantities but that are harmful when taken in large amounts. Examples are pharmaceuticals, alcohol, drugs, medicinal herbs, etc.

Dial 999 and answer the questions from the ambulance operator.

If the patient becomes unconscious and is breathing normally, place them in the recovery position.

Continually monitor the patient's airway and breathing until paramedics arrive.

Never induce vomiting.

Identify sources of information that provide procedures for treating those affected by poisonous substances.

What should I do if my child is exposed to poison?

Unii's Paediatric First Aid Journey shares how to help a child who has been exposed to poison in your home or workplace.