First Aid for Poisoning & Insect Stings

Do you know what to do if you suspect poisoning in yourself or a family member? Keep your local Poison Control Center phone number on hand with pertinent information available, such as age, sex, weight, what caused the poisoning, and how much poison was ingested. The victim may not always be old enough or coherent enough to talk so you should know what symptoms to look for as well as evidence of poisoning, such as open containers.

If you suspect poisoning, check the victim's airways, breathing, and circulation and take appropriate action. Be sure to hold the victim's head in the right position to ensure that air goes into the lungs. If you have to do compressions, be sure to pump hard enough on the victim's chest. If the victim is unconscious, place him or her in the recovery position. In the recovery position, the mouth is downward so that vomit or blood can drain from the patient; the chin is well up to keep the epiglottis opened. Arms and legs are locked as to stabilize the position of the patient. If the victim is conscious, have him or her assume the recovery position until medical help arrives. Protect the victim from injury and give first aid for convulsions if he or she starts having seizures. Protect the victim's airway if he or she vomits.

Never wait for signs and symptoms to develop. Avoid any "universal" antidotes. Don't try to neutralize the poison with another substance (vinegar, milk, etc.) unless told to do so by the Poison Control Center or a physician. Do not give an unconscious victim anything by mouth.

Allergies to Insect Stings

Insect stings can cause allergic reactions and can threaten lives. If you know you are allergic to insect stings you should carry your own emergency kit. Anaphylactic shock is a total body allergic reaction that can include severe swelling, hives, itching, coughing, wheezing, and difficulty breathing. You should get medical attention as soon as possible for yourself or the victim. You may have to keep your own or the victim's airways open, and restore breathing and circulation with CPR.

To remove stingers, you can scrape it out with a fingernail or the edge of a credit card, or you can pluck it out with your fingertips. The important thing is to get it out fast before it injects more poison into your skin.

International Health Awareness Center, Inc.

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