Poisoning

Lesson objectives:

1. Know what a poison is.
2. Identify ways one can get poisoned and how to prevent such incidents.
3. Identify the signs and symptoms of poisoning.
4. Know how to respond to an emergency involving poison.

1. Discuss: What is a poison? In what ways can you get poisoned?
   1. A poison is any substance that can harm someone.
   2. You can be poisoned by eating, smelling, or touching something
2. Discuss: How can you be poisoned?
   1. Eating harmful plants.
   2. Taking medicine that isn’t yours.
   3. Taking to much medicine.
   4. Drinking chemicals.
   5. Mixing chemicals.
3. The signs and symptoms can vary based on the type and amount of poison in a person, but often include:
   1. Abdominal pain.
   2. Nausea/Vomiting.
   3. Diarrhea.
   4. Trouble breathing.
   5. breathing too quickly or slowly.
   6. Headache.
   7. Dizziness.
   8. Weakness.
   9. Seizures.
   10. Changing levels of Consciousness.
   11. One should also look for things such as:
       1. Open or spilled containers.
       2. Abnormal smells.
       3. Burns around the person’s mouth.
4. Ask: What should you do if someone gets poisoned? Answers should include:
   1. Call for help.
      1. Poison control (1-800-222-1222),
      2. 911,
      3. or your local emergency number.
   2. Bring the label to the phone with you.
      1. The label on the poison will have information which the professionals need to have so they can help.
   3.  Be very careful to not get poisoned yourself. You will not help anyone if you also need to be treated.
   4. Don’t hang up.
      1. The professionals will have instructions for you. Do whatever they tell you until someone comes to take over.