Poisoning Two kinds of poisoning have been identified

Poisoning Two kinds of poisoning have been identified by the National Safety Council • Solids and liquids • Gases and vapors n Poison - Any substance that negatively affects body tissues and organ functioning n Poisons may have: n – Caustic and/or Toxic effect

Poisoning n Poisonings may be a result of: • Ingestion - medications, solvents, cleaners, etc. • Contact - poison ivy, sumac, caustic chemicals • Inhalation - carbon monoxide, scotchguard • Injection - snakebite, insect sting

Poisoning n Human Factors – Younger age groups at high risk (1 -5 yrs) – Adventurous – Can’t read – Often put things in mouth – Actions by adults • equating medicine with candy • changing containers

Poisonings n Poisonous plants n Child resistant packaging

Poison proofing your home n Store household products and medicines out of reach and out of sight of children, preferably in a locked storage area n Store medicines separate from other household products and keep in original containers n All products should be labeled

Poison-proofing Your Home n Avoid taking medicine in the presence of children n Refer to medicines by their proper names, not “candy” n Clean out medicine cabinet periodically - flush old medications down toilet

Inhalation Due mostly from carbon monoxide poisoning n Carbon monoxide a product of incomplete combustion from furnaces, gas heaters, kerosene heaters, gas, oil, etc. n COT - colorless, odorless and tasteless n Deadly - Carbon monoxide is more reactive with hemoglobin in red blood cells than oxygen n

Effects of Carbon Monoxide poisoning and First Aid n n n Fatigue, nausea, headache Similar to flu symptoms, without the fever Discoloration of skin Vomiting Cessation of breathing First Aid • Get victim to fresh air as soon as possible • Call EMS • Monitor ABC’s

Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Prevention n n n Keep auto exhaust system maintained Have heating equipment in home (furnaces) serviced or inspected at least once a year Ventilation - if working indoors with any equipment that can produce carbon monoxide Follow instructions with space heaters Keep cars in good working order Don’t run the car while standing still unless there is good air circulation

Poison Ivy - Oak - Sumac Best protection is prevention – Know the ways to identify and stay away from them – Wear long sleeved shirts, pants, shoes and socks, etc. Launder these clothes if they come in contact – Never burn these plants – Be careful of pets n Vaccine exists which neutralizes the urushiol that causes the contact dermatitis n

Injection n n 8 out of every 1, 000 people are allergic to bee venom. Some severely allergic. For these people death can occur in about 15 minutes. These people need to carry emergency sting kits. The majority (65%) will die within an hour from Anaphylactic Shock. Desensitization injections - Hymenoptera venom. Honeybees can only sting once; wasps sting repeatedly; yellow jackets bite and sting

Sting prevention n n Avoid scented cosmetics Avoid bright colored clothing Wear shoes Avoid loose fitting garments Avoid insect feeding grounds Have insect nests exterminated Keep auto windows closed while driving Cover up when working in garden or flower beds Insects are attracted to food - so be careful Don’t incite them

Spiders and Snakes Prevention is the key n Most bites are not lethal, but some can kill – black widow spider – scorpion – western diamond back rattlesnake n Snakebites occur most often in warmer weather n Snakebites occur most often in a person’s own yard n

Preventing snake bites n Don’t move when you hear a snake rattle. Snakes usually strike at moving objects. n In snake infested areas wear boots and plenty of clothes. n Avoid areas where snakes may inhabit n Avoid handling or playing with snakes

Preventing Snake Bites n Do not sleep on the ground n Be cautious around areas where snakes may be looking for food n Be alert while walking along your intended path n Keep grass, weeds and brush cut so snakes can’t hide

What to do in case of accidental poisoning n Remain calm n Act quickly n Call for help n Know and post poison control center number: 1 -800 -222 -1222

Signs of Swallowed Poisoning n Abdominal pain and cramping n Nausea or vomiting n Diarrhea n Burns, stains, odor near or in mouth n Drowsiness or unconsciousness n Poison containers

First Aid for Swallowed Poisons (1 of 3) 1. Determine critical information – Age and size of victim – What was the poison? – How much was taken? – When was it swallowed? 2. If poison is corrosive or caustic, dilute by having victim drink water or milk

First Aid for Swallowed Poisons (2 of 3) 3. For responsive victim, call poison control center 4. For unresponsive victim, check ABCs and call 9 -11 5. Place victim in recovery position

First Aid for Swallowed Poisons (3 of 3) 6. If advised, induce vomiting 7. If advised, give activated charcoal 8. Save poison containers, plants, and victim’s vomit to help medical personnel identify poison

Poisoning Victim - First Aid Principles n Conscious Noncorrosive n Call poison n control n Unconscious Corrosive Call poison control n Dilute w/milk or Dilute, if told n water if told to do so n Do not attempt to dilute n Induce vomiting, n if told to do so n Transport to n medical facility, if n requested Transport to medical facility Monitor vital signs and use CPR if necessary n Request emergency transport ASAP

Homeowner’s Insurance n Structural protection n Personal property n Loss of use n Personal liability n Medical payments n Goodwill coverage

Other types of Dwelling Insurance Condominium insurance - usually does not protect the building you live in outside your interior walls n Renter’s insurance – Owner - responsible for the structure and surrounding grounds – Renter - responsible for protecting his/her valuables, such as clothing and furniture. Same basic coverages as homeowners. Each renter should have a separate renter’s policy. n

Other Types of Dwelling Insurance n University students - may be covered by parents’ homeowners’ policy n Special options – scheduled personal property endorsement – replacement cost value endorsement