Marine Online
This section should give a short
introduction to
what is a poison
household poisons
poisoning on board a ship
and food poisoning
a poison is a substance which if
sufficient quantity may cause temporary
or permanent damage poisons may be
swallowed inhaled absorbed through the
skin
splashed into the eye or injected
natural poisons toxins are those which
originate from bacteria or certain
plants and animals such as snakes once
in the body poisons may work their way
into the bloodstream and be swiftly
carried to all the tissues of the body
signs and symptoms vary depending on the
poison and its method of entry and can
be delayed in onset vomiting is common
in many cases and carries with it the
additional danger of the casualty
inhaling his own vomit and choking
you
almost every household contains
potentially poisonous substances such as
bleach dishwasher detergent paint
stripper and weed killer
these can be spilled resulting in
chemical burns or swallowed causing
poisoning children in particular are at
risk from poisoning by household
products
you
for swallowed poisons you must check and
if necessary clear the casualties airway
if the casualty becomes unconscious
check breathing and pulse and be
prepared to resuscitate if necessary
place him in recovery position if you
need to give mouth-to-mouth ventilation
and other chemicals on the casualties
mouth use a plastic face shield if
possible to protect yourself call for an
ambulance or a doctor gives information
about the swallowed poison if possible
if a conscious casualties lips are
burned by corrosive substances give him
frequent sips of cold water or milk your
aims are to maintain the airway
breathing and circulation to remove any
contaminated clothing to identify the
poison and to obtain medical aid
you
poisoning can occur in the workplace at
result of a leak or major accident most
cases of industrial poisoning involve
poisonous gases spillage of corrosive
chemicals can also result in burns
tankers carrying potentially dangerous
chemicals or gases may keep oxygen
equipment on board and must display
notices indicating the emergency
procedures crew members and workers
should be familiar with such advice
access to a database such as tox base
with information on poisons and their
treatments is invaluable in these
situations
you
to treat a poisoned casualty your aims
are to remove the casualty from danger
to maintain an open airway and arrange
removal to a hospital
you
when gas has been inhaled if possible
remove the casualty from danger and into
fresh air administer oxygen if you have
been trained in its use if he is
unconscious open the airway check
breathing and pulse and be ready to
resuscitate if needed place the casualty
in the recovery position do not enter a
gas filled room unless you are
authorized and are properly equipped to
do so
if the casualty has chemicals on the
skin flush away any residual chemical on
the skin with plenty of cold water make
sure water drains away from the casualty
and yourself call for an ambulance and
give details of the chemical if the
casualty becomes unconscious open the
airway
check breathing and pulse and be ready
to resuscitate using a face shield if
needed place him in the casualty
recovery position do not contaminate
yourself with the dangerous chemical or
the rinsing water
food poisoning may be caused by eating
food that is contaminated by bacteria or
by toxins produced by bacteria that were
already in the food
the symptoms of food poisoning may be
nausea and vomiting cramping abdominal
pains diarrhea headache or fever
features of shock collapse
you
your aims are to encourage the casualty
to rest to seek medical advice or aid
and to give the casualty plenty of bland
fluids to drink help the casualty to lie
down and rest call a doctor for advice
give the casualty plenty to drink and a
bowl to use if he vomits if the
casualties condition worsens call for an
ambulance
food poisoning can be prevented by
insurer
that frozen poultry and meat are fully
defrosted before being cooked cook meat
poultry fish and eggs thoroughly to kill
harmful bacteria never keep food
lukewarm for long periods bacteria can
multiply without obvious signs of
spoilage wash hands before preparing
food wear protective gloves or
waterproof plasters if you have cuts on
your hands
by travelpod member