TOPIC OVERVIEW .
Poisoning is when a person is exposed to a substance that can damage their health or endanger their life.
Accidental poisoning is common, especially among toddlers aged between one and three years.
A child may also be poisoned if they are given the wrong medicine or a wrong dose of medicine. Always double check the age and dosage instructions before giving medicine to children.
Young children do not know the difference between what is safe and what is dangerous. It is your responsibility to make your home safe for children. Do not assume that your child can understand safety messages. Telling a child a product is dangerous is not enough to protect them from poisoning.
If you suspect a child has been exposed to a poison, or given the wrong medicine or the wrong dose of medicine, do not wait for symptoms to occur.
Act immediately.
Potential poisons include:
Accidental poisoning is common, especially among toddlers aged between one and three years.
A child may also be poisoned if they are given the wrong medicine or a wrong dose of medicine. Always double check the age and dosage instructions before giving medicine to children.
Young children do not know the difference between what is safe and what is dangerous. It is your responsibility to make your home safe for children. Do not assume that your child can understand safety messages. Telling a child a product is dangerous is not enough to protect them from poisoning.
If you suspect a child has been exposed to a poison, or given the wrong medicine or the wrong dose of medicine, do not wait for symptoms to occur.
Act immediately.
Potential poisons include:
- Household products, such as bleach
- Cosmetic items, such as nail polish
- Some types of plants and fungi
- Certain types of household chemicals and pesticides.
- Carbon monoxide.
- Poorly prepared or cooked food, and food that's gone mouldy or been contaminated with bacteria from raw meat.
- Alcohol, if an excessive amount is consumed over a short period of time.
- Recreational substances (drugs)
- Medicines prescribed for pets.
- Snakes and insects, such as wasps and bees, aren't poisonous, but their bites or stings can contain venom (toxin).
OBJECTIVES .
In this video we give share poisoning symptoms and shows you what to do when your baby has swallowed something poisonous.
REQUIRED MATERIALS .
Students require a file and/or folder, pen and paper and this will form the basis of the student's "Best Book".
CONTENT (LESSON BODY) .
ASSESSMENT .
All NPF officers should learn, practice and understand the content of this video.
The assessment, which will be undertaken, is both a written and practical test with a final exam.
The assessment, which will be undertaken, is both a written and practical test with a final exam.
SUMMARY & TAKEAWAY .
Symptoms include...
And will depend on the type of poison and the amount taken in, but general things to look out for include:
If you suspect that someone has taken an overdose or has been poisoned, don't try to treat them yourself. Get medical help immediately.
If they don't appear to be seriously ill, call a doctor for advice.
If they're showing signs of being seriously ill, such as vomiting, loss of consciousness, drowsiness or seizures (fits), call a hospital to request an ambulance or take the person to hospital.
In serious cases, it may be necessary for the person to stay in hospital for treatment.
Most people admitted to hospital because of poisoning will survive.
And will depend on the type of poison and the amount taken in, but general things to look out for include:
- Vomiting
- Stomach pains
- Confusion
- Drowsiness and fainting fits
If you suspect that someone has taken an overdose or has been poisoned, don't try to treat them yourself. Get medical help immediately.
If they don't appear to be seriously ill, call a doctor for advice.
If they're showing signs of being seriously ill, such as vomiting, loss of consciousness, drowsiness or seizures (fits), call a hospital to request an ambulance or take the person to hospital.
In serious cases, it may be necessary for the person to stay in hospital for treatment.
Most people admitted to hospital because of poisoning will survive.
LOOK FORWARD TO .
How to treat a baby if they have swallowed a foreign object or it is in their ear or nose.