First Aid International

Poisons, Bites and Stings

Poisons

There are 4 different ways poisons can enter the body:

  1. ingested, that is a poison that is swallowed
  2. inhaled, as in breathing a poison into the lungs
  3. injected, such as a snakebite or hypodermic needle
  4. absorbed, a poison that on contact with the skin is transferred into the body

Treatment

  1. Look around and gather possible clues
  2. DRABCD

  3. Care for life threatening conditions
  4. Ask questions to gather additional information
  5. Look for containers and take them with you to the telephone
  6. Call the poisons information number 131126 (this number was correct at the time of writing) and follow their directions. Note: the emergency response number 000 will assist you and inform you of the current poison information number.

    7. Do not give the casualty anything to drink unless instructed to do so.

Bites and stings

A pressure immobilisation bandage is required if the casualty is bitten or stung by any of the creatures in the second box below. The pressure bandage is used to slow down the transportation of the venom from the lymphatic system.

To apply the bandage:

  1. Apply a crepe bandage directly over the bite site to maintain pressure
  2. For a bite on the arm or leg, apply a second bandage and work upwards to cover as much of the limb as possible.
  3. Immobilise the limb to a splint or use the body as a splint

  4. Keep the casualty still and calm and wait for medical assistance.

    5. Do not remove the bandages until the casualty has reached medical care, and then only if instructed to under medical supervision.

  5. If the bandage has been applied too tight, circulation may be cut off to the lower parts of the limb. Signs and symptoms of impaired circulation include numbness, discolouration of the fingers and toes and the sensation of coldness. If any of these signs and symptoms occur, loosen the bandage only enough to get circulation going in the limb again. Obviously do not attempt to use pressure immobilisation technique for bites located on the head or trunk.

    6. Anaphylaxis

    This is a term used to describe a severe allergic reaction to a substance. It is a form of shock. When a casualty comes in contact with a substance they are sensitive to, the casualty could develop anaphylaxis.

    Signs and Symptoms

    1. Swelling at the site
    2. Itching or rash
    3. Nausea and vomiting
    4. Breathing difficulties may develop caused by swelling of the throat. In severe cases this could lead to an obstructed airway.

    Management

    1. DRABCD
    2. If unconscious. lateral position and continually observe the ABC and be prepared to commence EAR / CPR as required
    3. If conscious, observe the casualty and seek medical assistance
    4. If the casualty has any medication for the condition, it should be taken immediately.

    Contact First Aid International - 1300 36 56 75

    Brisbane 07 3513 3255 - Sydney 02 9204 7777, Sydney Fax 02 9806 9789 - Melbourne 03 9018 9673 - Perth 08 6363 5303 Gold Coast 07 5630 1148

    Head Office Fax: 07 3352 3631
    Head Office Postal: PO Box 275 Kelvin Grove QLD 4059
    Head Office Email: headoffice@firstaidinternational.com.au

    Training Locations
    6/321 Kelvin Grove Rd, Kelvin Grove
    11/8 Chrome St, Salisbury
    Unit 1 Level 2, 52 Davenport St, Southport
    Suite 9, 29 Hunter St, Parramatta