Poisoning from Industrial Chemicals, Drug and Alcohol

The use of hazardous industrial chemicals is strictly controlled and regulated, and those who work with such substances are aware of the specific first aid and safety requirements. For most people, contact with dangerous industrial chemicals will be through a chemical spill at a road accident or a problem at an engineering plant.

TREATMENT. Many industrial chemicals can be absorb through the skin or inhaled, so it is important not to approach an accident scene unless you are sure you can do so safely. If you are at all unsure of the risk, do not approach the scene. Instead, call 911 immediately, giving as much information about the incident as you can. Encourage victims who can to move away from the source of any danger.

Inhaled poisons. Where possible, remove the victim from the chemical. If this is not possible, ensure that the area is well-ventilated (open doors and windows). If in doubt, do not stay in the room yourself. Many chemicals have no odor or obvious effect and you may not be aware that you are being poisoned.

1. Monitor and maintain the victim's airway and breathing and be prepared to resuscitate if necessary.
2. If the victim becomes unconscious, place in the recovery position.
3. If the victim is conscious, help into the most comfortable position. If there are breathing problems, this position is most likely to be sitting up.
4. Call 911 and provide as much information as you can.

Poisons on the skin

1. Do not contaminate yourself. Wear protective clothing if available.
2. Wash away the chemical with water, taking care to flush the contaminated water away from both yourself and the victim.
3. Monitor and maintain the victim's airway and breathing and be prepared to resuscitate if necessary.
4. Call 911 and reassure the victim until help arrives.

DRUG POISONING

Drug poisoning can be deliberate or accidental. Drugs may be prescription only, illegally supplied, or freely available from the chemist. Signs and symptoms of drug poisoning will vary, depending on the drug that has been taken.

TREATMENT

1. Keep yourself safe. The effect of some drugs, both legally and illegally supplied, can be to cause aggression or irrational behavior in the person who has taken them. If this is the case, do not approach the victim. Call 911 instead and explain the situation. They will make a decision about weather the police need to be called.
2. Monitor and maintain the airway and breathing and be prepared to resuscitate if necessary. If it is safe for you to do so.
3. If the person becomes unconscious, place him or her into the recovery position.
4. Call 911 and stay by the victim until assistance arrives.
5. Look for clues as to the cause of the poisoning and inform medical staff.

COMMON TYPES OF DRUGS AND THEIR EFFECTS

Analgesics (painkillers)

• Act on the brain and spinal cord to stop the perception of pain. Produce a state of well-being and relaxation. While they have legitimate medical use, they are among the most commonly abused drugs. Side effects include nausea, vomiting, constricted pupils, constipation, and slow and shallow breathing. Overdose may lead to unconsciouness and death.

Non-opioids

• Act in a similar way to the opioids but with fewer side effects. Signs of an overdose may not be immediately obvious but if the antidote is not administered swiftly, fatal liver failure can set in, even in an adult who appears to be healthy. Signs include pain, nausea, and vomiting.

NSAIDs (Non-steroidal anti-inflammatories)

• Act at the site of pain to prevent the painful stimulation of nerve endings. While generally safe, they can irritate the stomach lining, causing pain and bleeding, particularly in those susceptible to stomach ulcers.

Sleeping drugs and antidepressants 

• Act by depressing brain function. Minor side effects include slow mental activity and drowsiness. Effects of overdose include gradual decline into unconsciousness, shallow breathing, and abnormal pulse rate.

Stimulants and hallucinogens

• Act by stimulating the central nervous system (the brain and spinal cord). Signs include out-of-character behavior, hallucinations, energetic sweating, and increased heart rate.

ALCOHOL POISONING

Alcohol depresses the central nervous system, which is the center of our thoughts, feelings, and senses, and is responsible for coordinating all movement and body processes. In the early stages of drinking, this creates a relaxed feeling and impression of increased confidence. Continued drinking can affect the ability to make rational decisions and, as consumption increases, will slow down breathing and can even cause loss of consciousness. The effect of alcohol on the body is affected by factors including weight, body fat, and history of alcohol intake. What may be a safe level for one person may have serious effects for another.

EFFECTS OF HIGH INTAKE. There are four key risks following a high alcohol intake:

• Injury, as a result poor decision-making and clumsiness.
• Vomiting, leading to choking in an unconscious person.
• Hypothermia-- caused by alcohol dilating the blood vessels, making exposure to the cold a greater risk.
• Slower breathing and, ultimately, breathing stopping.

TREATMENT

1. Monitor and maintain the person's airway and breathing. Be prepared to resuscitate the person if necessary.
2. If the person becomes unconscious, place into the recovery position. The person is extremely likely to vomit, so watch carefully for signs of vomit and remove from the mouth as needed.
3. If the person is conscious, help into a comfortable position and encourage him or her to keep still.
4. Check for additional injury and give treatment as appropriate.
5. Protect from extremes of cold to reduce the risk of hypothermia developing. If the person is unconscious, you suspect further injury, you are worried that other substances may have been consumed, or you have any other doubts as to their condition, call 911. Do not underestimate the risk of alcohol poisoning.

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS

• What has happened. Consider this carefully-- a person who has suffered a head injury or stroke may show similar signs and symptoms to somebody who is drunk
• Strong smell of alcohol
• Lapsing in and out of consciousness. Rousable at first but eventually slipping into full unconsciousness
• Red, sweating face
• Deep, noisy breathing-- sounds of snoring
• Strong, fast pulse

Eventually, breathing may become shallower and the pulse weaker and faster.

LONG TERM EFFECTS OF ALCOHOL

Drinking alcohol within safe limits may be beneficial  for health, helping to protect against stroke and heart disease, but if you have more than a couple of alcoholic drinks a day, there are more risks than benefits.

• Weight gain: alcohol contains many calories and regular drinkers often put on weight.
• Reduced intellectual function: brain cells that control memory and learning are damaged by alcohol. Alcohol is damaging to mental health, causing increased anxiety and depression.
• Increased risk of developing many types of cancer (this risk is  even higher if you smoke as well).
• Reduced fertility in both men and women and damage to the fetus if you drink heavily during pregnancy.
• Damage to the liver and other organs; digestive problems such as ulcers.

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Frederick Luneta is a 24-year old guy and he is a Computer Engineering student and a young part time blogger. Currently lives in the Philippines. He knows a lot about computer.